Course overview
This course provides an introduction to the Australian legal system, legal institutions, sources of law, with a particular focus upon the judicial system, and legal method. Fundamental legal skills in legal research, legal reasoning and problem solving will be developed, using a blended learning approach.
Course learning outcomes
- Discuss the reception and development of the Australian common law system, and the impact of comparative and international law upon our law.
- Explain the constitutional basis of the Federal/State judicial systems, and of the importance of the rule of law, particularly in respect of judicial independence and accountability; and the role of the lawyer within this system.
- Interpret case law analysis and legal reasoning, with consideration of the legal, moral and ethical dimensions of judicial decision making.
- Discuss case, statute and public international law research, and research into secondary sources of the law, in order to critically analyse the law for the purpose of legal problem solving.
- Explain the requirements and practice of correct legal citation.