LLAW3243 Family Law

The topic aims to familiarise students with the regulation of the 'family' within Australian society and to assess the impact of current laws and procedures relating to the family. Areas covered may include: definitions of 'family'; marriage and nullity; divorce and family breakdown; financial and property adjustment; disputes relating to children; de facto relationships; status of children (legal issues arising from assisted and artificial reproduction, surrogacy, adoption etc); procedural aspects (including the Family Court, role of lawyers and counsellors, ethical responsibilities of family lawyers, alternative dispute resolution in family law).

This topic aims to provide:

• Students with a critical understanding of the legal principles governing marriages and marriage-like relationships, their formation, dissolution, and regulation by the State disciplines
• Students with a critical understanding of the courts and other dispute resolution mechanisms in the area of family law
• Access to a range of research from sociology and other disciplines, and to ensure that students understand how this research is relevant to assessing the effectiveness of the family law system
• A learning environment that encourages students to develop skills in independent research, written presentations, and group work

1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of family law principles by applying those principles to hypothetical fact situations
2. Critically analyse and evaluate aspects of the family law system, utilising research from law and other related disciplines
3. Evaluate recent family law reforms and reform proposals
4. Communicate information and ideas about family law effectively