Foundations of Law unit (LAW107)

Introduction

This unit introduces you to the fundamental elements of the Australian legal system, including Indigenous legal issues, and explores how they compare with other legal systems around the world. You will learn how the law is made in Australia by courts and the legislature, within the constitutional framework, with a focus on Tasmania. You will examine how legal institutions have addressed historical and contemporary social issues and reflect on how a person’s place within society influences the way they perceive and evaluate the law. You will also engage with key ethical issues faced by different actors within the legal system and consider the professional obligations of the legal profession. This will be your first opportunity to learn skills that are fundamental to your future studies and careers in law: working in small groups; critical thinking; and managing study time to achieve success in law.

Summary

Unit name	Foundations of Law
Unit code	LAW107
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Faculty of Law
Discipline	Law
Coordinator	Doctor Manon Simon
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Describe and explain the origins and structure of Australia’s legal system, including history, institutions, principles and sources of law
• Explain and critique the recognition of First Australians in the Australian legal system over time
• Research, locate and cite state and Commonwealth legislation, case law and academic literature
• Identify and respond to ethical and cultural issues at an introductory level
• Communicate effectively and persuasively in verbal and written formats

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

LAW121

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On-Campus Lecture: 2 hours weekly (Interactive lectures across the study period). The lecture is scheduled for Mondays 10am-12pm  Workshop: 1 hour weekly face-to-face (commencing in Week 1 of semester). Workshops are scheduled for the Sandy Bay campus on Wednesday 11am. Online Lecture: 2 hours weekly (Interactive lectures across the study period). The lecture is scheduled for Mondays 10am-12pm  Workshop: 1 hour weekly online tutorial (commencing in Week 1 of semester). Workshops will take place Tuesday at 5pm, via zoom.
Assessment	Assessment Task 3: Contribution to tutorial discussions (10%)|Assessment Task 1: Quiz (15%)|Assessment Task 2: File note (35%)|Assessment Task 4: Exam (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Essential text: Michelle Sanson and Thalia Anthony, Connecting with Law, 5th Edition, Oxford University Press. Note - we will be using this text every week. This text will also in Law108, so definitely worth purchasing.
Recommended	All additional readings will be available via mylo.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.