Details for LAW101 Introduction to Law

Every society rests on rules, but law is more than rules alone. Introduction to Law opens up Australia’s legal system: its common law tradition, constitutional structure, court hierarchies and the role of the legal profession. You’ll explore the rule of law, precedent, legislation and statutory interpretation, alongside alternative dispute resolution and lawyers’ ethical responsibilities. You’ll leave with a clear picture of how Australian law works and why it matters for justice and community.

Quick Stats

• Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
• Course code: LAW101
• Credit points: 10

Subject Coordinator

Prerequisite

Nil

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Describe key aspects of Australia’s legal system, including its common law legal tradition, its constitutional structure, its court hierarchies, the role of its legal profession, and alternative dispute resolution.
2. Identify key developments in English, American, British and Australian constitutional history and describe the effect of these developments.
3. Explain the meaning of the rule of law, give content to the concept and apply the rule of law in context.
4. Identify the main sources of law, legal actors and institutions of the legal system and explain their roles in promoting justice and service to the community.
5. Apply the doctrine of precedent consistent with the common law traditions.  ​‌

Subject Content

1. Studying Law – What is Law?
2. The Development of the Common Law
3. Understanding the Rule of Law
4. Constitutionalism, The Westminster System of Government
5. The Development of Australian Government and Law
6. The Australian Federal system
7. Precedent as a Source of Law
8. Legislation as a Source of Law
9. Statutory Interpretation
10. The Australian Court System
11. Alternative Dispute Resolution & Management of International Disputes
12. Legal Ethics and Legal Responsibility

This course may be offered in the following formats

Face to Face on site

Please check the timetable to see when this subject will next be offered at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

1. Research Essay (30%)
2. Court Report (20%)
3. Final Examination (50%)

Prescribed Text

• Augusto Zimmermann and Gabriël Moens, Foundations of the Australian Legal System (LexisNexis, 2023) 
• Melbourne University Law Review Association, Australian Guide to Legal Citation (Melbourne University Law Review Association, 4th ed, 2018) 

Check with your instructor before purchasing any textbooks