University of Tasmania, Australia

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Mid Year Entry

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The Faculty of Law is now offering mid-year entry to the degree. Students are eligible to study Introduction to Law as an intensive 15-day unit during the winter semester.
LAW121 Introduction to Law is the first of two introductory units required for entry into the full law program. The course covers a diverse range of topics including: ‘thinking like a lawyer’, introduction to the Australian legal system, introduction to Australian Constitutional Law, legal research, legislation, common law and precedent, judges and juries, human rights, and legal problem solving. 
Introduction to Law is open to students intending to proceed in the full law degree as well as students in other degrees wanting to pick up an extra unit over winter.
Relocation: Mainland students who wish to re-locate to Tasmania for the purposes of a law degree at the university may be eligible for a $5000 re-location scholarship. Students interested in this option are encouraged to contact the Faculty Executive Officer (Kira.White@utas.edu.au).

 

Law 121 Introduction to Law

Winter school offering (semester 4)

Course duration

15 days

Weight

12.5% FTE

Unit Co-ordinator

Kate Cashman, Faculty of Law, 6226 2721, Katherine.Cashman@utas.edu.au

Unit information

Introduction to Law is the first of two introductory units required for entry into the full law program. Topics include ‘thinking like a lawyer’; introduction to the Australian legal system; introduction to Australian Constitutional Law; legal research; legislation; common law and precedent; judges and juries; human rights; lawyers the profession and legal education; lawyers and dispute resolution, and legal problem solving. The course is very practical, and we will aim to visit the court as a group on two occasions and have guest lectures from the profession to assist in the students achieving a realistic experience of the profession. More unit information

Upon successful completion of the course, students will achieve the following objectives:
  • Understand the continuing historical influences in the law;
  • Display improved writing and communication skills;
  • Understand and discuss topics of concern in the legal system including questions about access and equality, judges and juries and the legal approach to contemporary legal issues;
  • Carry out basic "trade craft" skills of lawyers including case reading and briefing, marshaling of facts and analysis of legal problems; and
  • Actively participate in seminars.
Assessment

Assessment is regular and aims to focus on a number of skill development areas. The various assessments are outlined below:

  •        Seminar Attendance & Participation                                                   10%
  •        Legal Essay No.1 (750 words, due Monday 2 July)                             20%
  •        Legal Essay No 2 (1000 words due Friday 20th July)                           30%
  •        Legal Problem Solving Presentation (5 mins, Friday 13 July)                25%
  •        Selective Reflective Journal (4-10 pages, Friday 13 July)                     15%