Comparative Law

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 1090
Course ID icon
Course ID
207338
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Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Law
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Cornelia Koch
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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.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

Students are introduced to comparative law as a method of legal enquiry, which is of significant import to the cosmopolitan lawyer who often requires knowledge of more than one legal system. Students consider the practical aims and theoretical underpinnings of the comparative legal method and examine the historical development of the process of comparing rules, principles, and institutions of different countries. Emphasis is placed on the contemporary use of the comparative method in both public and private law by legal actors such as lawyers, judges, and legislators. Students develop an international perspective by making substantive connections between the Australian common law and a range of legal traditions, questioning whether national legal systems and institutions are converging or whether differing economic, political, and social contexts preserve legal diversity.

Course learning outcomes

  • Analyse the foundational principles of comparative law, undertake (self-directed) legal research, and evaluate legal information
  • Apply comparative law to complex problems/ issues, critique the operation of comparative law from a theoretical perspective as part of a team
  • Structure and sustain concise and cohesive written arguments for a legal and professional audience
  • Conduct legal research and analysis both independently and cooperatively in an academic environment
  • Analyse the impact of comparative law from comparative and international perspectives, and in the context of social and cultural diversity
  • Reflect on their abilities to effectively undertake work as a member of a team

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 21764
Section
Section FR01
Size
Size 200
Available
Available 198
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
26 Feb - 16 Apr Thursday 12:10pm - 3pm Adelaide City Campus East Mawson, G19
7 May - 28 May Thursday 12:10pm - 3pm Adelaide City Campus East Mawson, G19
Notes:
This course is available to B Laws students only

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed LAW2508 Comparative Law at the University of Adelaide

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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.

Degree list
The following degrees include this course