Foundations of Law unit (LAW107)

Hobart, Launceston, Online

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	Professor Jan McDonald|Doctor Manon Simon
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Hobart	Semester 2
Launceston	Semester 1
Launceston	Semester 2
Online	Semester 1
Online	Semester 2

Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

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

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
090999	$2,174.00	$1,703.00	not applicable	$2,249.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

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.

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