Courses & Units

Legal Theory LAW453

Hobart

This unit is being phased out, no new enrolments are being taken.

Introduction

Introduces students to moral debates about what the content of the law ought to be and to some of the major theories of law, such as Natural Law, Positivism and Realism and some of the most influential modern theories, including those of Professor Hart and Austin.The aim is to encourage students to think about the possible justifications for law and for the powers judges exercise. The unit is divided into three modules: (i) the purpose and value of Legal Theory (ii) analysis of theories of law including Natural Law, Positivism and Realism, by examining the types of justification which they give for judicial decisions especially in hard cases (iii) an analysis of critical theories of law and the legal system.

Summary

Unit name Legal Theory
Unit code LAW453
Credit points 12.5
College/School College of Arts, Law and Education
Faculty of Law
Discipline Law
Coordinator Mr Martin Clark
Delivered By Delivered wholly by the provider
Level Advanced

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 On-Campus International Domestic

Key

On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/2/2021 23/3/2021 12/4/2021 30/5/2021

* 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).

About Census Dates

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 jurisprudence
  • critically apply theories of law in analysing legal policy issues in the modern context
  • prepare and present cogent arguments regarding the theoretical basis of law 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
090900 $1,812.00 $1,419.00 not applicable $1,812.50
  • 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 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

LAW305 - Corporations Law 1) AND ((LAW351 - Criminal Law A AND LAW352 - Criminal Law B and Criminal Procedure AND LAW353 - Equity and Trusts AND LAW354 - Property Law) OR (LAW324 - Property Law B AND LAW306 - Constitutional Law 2 AND LAW307 - Trusts AND LAW323 - Property Law A)

Teaching

AssessmentExamination - invigilated (externally - Exams Office) (30%)|Abstract (30%)|Examination - invigilated (externally - Exams Office) (40%)
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.
LinksBooktopia textbook finder

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