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Succession unit (LAW283)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Hobart

Introduction

What happens to your property when you die? Succession is the body of law governing transmission of property on death. Some of the topics you will be looking at include: the law relating to intestacy; the execution, revocation, alteration and republication of wills; the legal and equitable doctrines relating to testamentary gifts; the powers, duties and liabilities of executors and administrators; the general administration of estates including different types of grants; and family provision. We have a longstanding acceptance of the tradition of freedom of testation today – the right to decide what happens to your property upon your death. However, in more modern times that concept has been whittled away quite substantially. We will consider the effects of this and whether or not the changes are good for our society.

Summary

Unit name Succession
Unit code LAW283
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Faculty of Law
Discipline Law
Coordinator Doctor Elise Histed
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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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

* 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 key legal concepts and principles relating to Succession derived form cases and legislation.
  • Apply those concepts and principles to hypothetical factual scenarios relating to Succession, in order to predict how a judge might decide the issues arising on those facts.
  • Critically evaluate the contemporary operation of the principles of Succession Law in light of changing social norms and family structures.
  • Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

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

Prerequisites

50 credit points of Introductory Law core

Mutual Exclusions

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

LAW683

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Weekly 2 hour lecture

Weekly 1 hour tutorial

AssessmentShort Test (15%)|Exam (40%)|Essay (45%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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