Courses & Units
Legal Theory LAW261
Introduction
This unit introduces students to the major theories of law and key debates on what the content of the law ought to be. The aim of this unit is to encourage students to think critically about the characteristics of law, the social forces that shape the law and the powers judges exercise. The unit provides a detailed introduction and analysis of leading theories of law such as Positivism, Natural Law, Realism, Interpretivism and related theories such as Law and Economics, Justice and critical approaches to the formation and operation of law.
Summary
| Unit name | Legal Theory |
|---|---|
| Unit code | LAW261 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Arts, Law and Education Faculty of Law |
| Discipline | Law |
| Coordinator | Mr Kristian Adamson |
| Available as an elective? | |
| Delivered By | Delivered wholly by the provider |
Availability
This unit is currently unavailable.
* 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 2021 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2021 will be available from the 1st October 2020. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Describe, understand and critically reflect upon the key debates about the formation and operation of law.
- Describe, understand and critically reflect upon major theories of law arising from the Western tradition of legal theory.
- Critically apply theories of law in analysing legal policy issues in the modern context.
- Prepare and present cogent arguments in writing regarding the theoretical basis of law.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| not applicable |
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
Prerequisites
50 credit points of Introductory Law core or (LAW121 and LAW122)Mutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
LAW453Teaching
| Assessment | Examination - invigilated (internally) (20%)|Abstract (40%)|Abstract (40%) |
|---|---|
| Timetable | View 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. |
Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
|---|
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