LLAW9601 The Australian Legal System

This is one of two topics that forms the basis for the rest of the course. In the context of learning about the Australian legal system and its institutions (including the State Constitution), its history and its development, students will begin to develop a range of skills that are required for successful study of the law and for professional practice, including how to read and analyse case law; how to interpret legislation; how to perform basic legal research, and how to use legal citation conventions effectively.

This topic aims to:

• Provide students with knowledge of the Australian legal system
• Provide students with knowledge and skills to select, locate, use and update appropriate research resources for legislation, cases and secondary material
• Introduce students to the principles of statutory interpretation
• Provide students with an introduction to the conventions of professional and academic legal writing; and
• Provide students with knowledge about the ethics of writing

1. Discuss and explain the sources of law in Australia
2. Discuss and explain the historical and social contexts of the institutions of the Australian legal system
3. Discuss and explain the process of law-making
4. Demonstrate understanding of approaches to ethical decision making

5. Recognise and reflect upon and respond to ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts
6. Recognise and reflect upon the professional responsibilities of lawyers in promoting justice and in service to the community
7. Exercise professional judgment in the context of an introduction to the Australian legal system
8. Identify and articulate complex legal issues
9. Apply legal reasoning and research to generate appropriate jurisprudential and practical responses to legal issues
10. Engage in critical analysis and make reasoned and appropriate choices amongst alternatives
11. Demonstrate sophisticated cognitive and creative skills in approaching legal issues and generating appropriate responses in the context of an introduction to the Australian legal system
12. Demonstrate intellectual and practical skills needed to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, legal methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions, as well as to identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal and policy issues in the context of an introduction to the Australian legal system
13. Communicate in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences
14. Collaborate effectively in the context of an introduction to the Australian legal system
15. Learn and work with a high level of autonomy, accountability and professionalism
16. Reflect on and assess your own capabilities and performance, and make use of feedback as appropriate, to support your personal and professional development