This unit does two things. It examines law as a system, with particular relevance to Australia. We cover the concept of law itself; the common law tradition; the Australian Constitution; other sources of law; the reception of English law in Australia, including the ramifications of this for First Nations Australians then and now; the practice of law; and critical perspectives on the law. The unit also enhances students' skills as budding law and justice practitioners. It covers how to find the law, including its various sources; legal problem solving; statutory interpretation; the arguing of law; and writing legal materials.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Identify the personal skills, capabilities and knowledge necessary to meet the work standards expected by law and justice professionals in the workplace;
2. Explain and analyse the historical foundations and contemporary roles of Australian legal systems and institutions, including in various social and cultural contexts;
3. Develop an understanding for First Nations realities, including those that arise through the legal system, and develop cultural competence;
4. Identify, research, interpret and apply sources of law, including cases and legislation, as well as secondary sources;
5. Undertake legal reasoning to devise solutions to legal problems; and
6. Communicate the findings of legal research and analysis, in writing and orally, for a range of audiences and purposes.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - use Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

11431 Foundations of Law and Justice G

Equivalent units

6601 Legal Methods and Skills 6602 Legal Systems

Assumed knowledge

None.