Common Law in Context

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
LAWS 1035
Course ID icon
Course ID
207283
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Campus
Adelaide City Campus
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
Adelaide University
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Course level
1
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

This course focuses on judge-made law. Together with Legal Policy, Lawmaking and Justice, it provides students with a solid foundational understanding of legal sources and legal reasoning and introduces them to key ideas regarding the nature of law. This course introduces law and the common law, including: Philosophy and Law; The sources of law; The hierarchy of courts and the doctrine of precedent; The role of judges in developing the common law; Factors that may influence the development of common law. In addition to this content, students will also learn skills in how to find, read, and analyse cases.

Course learning outcomes

  • Explain aspects of the nature and development of the common law
  • Locate cases and other authoritative legal resources using online databases
  • Synthesise information from legal cases to explain aspects of legal decision-making
  • Discuss contemporary issues affecting how common law is made
  • Present ideas though written and oral communication

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

Assumed knowledge

N/A

Textbook(s)

N/A

Inherent requirements

N/A

Other resources

N/A

Assessment

N/A

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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.