Course overview
This course explores jurisprudence, which takes as its focus the philosophy and theory of law. It explores the answers that have been offered to two major questions: what is law, and what ought law to be. The major schools of thought in relation to the nature of law include natural law, analytic jurisprudence, legal positivism, historical jurisprudence, sociological jurisprudence, legal realism, critical legal studies, interpretivism, therapeutic jurisprudence, and general (global) jurisprudence. In relation to what law ought to be (normative jurisprudence), major schools of thought include virtue jurisprudence, deontology, utilitarianism, and the work of John Rawls.
Course learning outcomes
- Analyse the relationship between law and legal theory, undertake legal research with primary and secondary materials, and evaluate legal information
- Apply legal theory to contemporary issues, and critique the operation of law from the perspective of ethics and justice
- Structure and sustain concise and cohesive written and oral arguments for a legal audience
- Analyse law from a theoretical including issues related to justice, fairness and ethics
- Develop an original topic of research for sustained reflection
- Apply critical thinking skills to a range of legal and theoretical issues
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Class number 24096
Section WS01
Size 100
Available 100
Notes:
Fee calculator
To display course fees, please select your status and program below:
We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
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.