Courses & Units
Foundations of Law LAW107
Introduction
This unit introduces you to the key elements of domestic Australian and indigenous legal systems, and considers how they compare with other legal systems around the world. You will gain an introduction into how law is made in Australia by courts and the legislature, within Australia’s constitutional framework, and consider how Tasmania’s legislature and the courts have addressed contemporary and historical social issues. You will consider how a person’s place within society influences the way they perceive and evaluate law and will be introduced to several ethical issues and rules that arise for different actors within the legal system. This will be your first opportunity to learn skills that are fundamental to your future studies and careers in law: working effectively in small groups; critical thinking; how to read and take good notes from class and texts; and how to manage study time to achieve success in law.
Summary
| Unit name | Foundations of Law |
|---|---|
| Unit code | LAW107 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Arts, Law and Education Faculty of Law |
| Discipline | Law |
| Coordinator | Professor Jan McDonald |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Hobart | Semester 2 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Launceston | Semester 1 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Online | Semester 1 | Off-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Online | Semester 2 | Off-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
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 1 | 26/2/2024 | 22/3/2024 | 15/4/2024 | 2/6/2024 |
| Semester 2 | 22/7/2024 | 16/8/2024 | 9/9/2024 | 27/10/2024 |
* 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 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Describe and explain legal principles and legal systems, recognising local and transnational contexts and theoretical and ethical dimensions
- Identify and respond to ethical issues at an introductory level
- Communicate effectively and persuasively in verbal and written formats and support arguments with relevant literature
- Work collaboratively and independently
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 | $2,040.00 | $1,597.00 | not applicable | $2,040.00 |
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 UConnect 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:
LAW121Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | On-Campus Online |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Assessment Task 2: Contribution to workshop discussions (10%)|Assessment Task 1: MyLO Quizzes (15%)|Assessment Task 3: Case activated learning (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. | Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.