Subject Code: LAWF101

Rationale

This subject gives a broad introduction to the Australian legal and political framework. The subject covers major topic areas and exposes students to political issues. Knowledge and understanding is extended through the research assignment. Students will display a detailed awareness of the Law in Australia and a comprehensive understanding of the law’s application to society and business.

Learning Outcomes

Subject learning outcome Assessment task(s) in which this learning outcome is assessed

a) Describe the Australian political and legal environment

b) Understand issues that affect Australian politics and law

c) Identify the important institutions in the Australian political system

d) Describe the current political and legal issues in Australia

e) Understand the fundamental basis of the Australian legal system

Assessment

Learning outcomes for this subject are assessed using a range of assessment tasks as described in the table below.

NoAssessment TaskAssessment Due (week/s)Learning Outcomes
1Quiz (10%)Week 6a & c
2Group Assessment (30%)Week 10b & d
3Final Exam (50%)Exam Week/sc & e

Submitting your assessment late

Most assessment tasks are submitted using the Learning Management System, Moodle. For more instruction on submitting the assessment tasks, please refer to the instruction in Moodle for more specific information of the subject assessment submission requirements.

Late submission, requests for an extension or deferred assessment

There are penalties for late submission of assessment tasks.

If you would like to request for an extension to submission deadline of your assessment or would like to request for a deferred assessment, you need to meet the eligibility requirements. Please refer to the Assessment Policy for more information on late submission penalties, requests for extensions and deferred assessments.

Broad topics to be covered

Topic:

  • Introduction
  • The Australian Constitution
  • The High Court and Parliament in Australia
  • Law in Society
  • The Australian Legal System
  • Criminal Law
  • Case Law vs Statute Law
  • Legal Processes and the Courts
  • Trusts
  • Contracts
  • Torts
  • Corporations Law

Please note that these topics are often refined and subject to change so for up to date weekly topics and suggested reading resources, please refer to the Moodle subject page.

Learning Resources