Graduates from this degree are eligible to apply to the Legal Profession Admission Board for admission as a legal practitioner in NSW after undertaking prescribed professional legal training (PLT). The School of Law offers a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, which provides the PLT qualification for admission. A feature of the UWS law degree is that students can simultaneously complete some of the PLT units required for admission as a legal practitioner.
This course is one which is designed for graduates who have completed the requirements for a tertiary qualification at bachelors level from a recognised university. Applications are through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
International applicants should contact UWS International for details on admission. Contact information for the International Office is available via the UWS website.
Recommended Full Time Sequence (Parramatta)
Year 1
Autumn session
Introduction to Law
This unit introduces students to the basic structure of law, information retrieval, legal research techniques and the judicial process. The unit covers the mechanical aspects of legal research; sources of law, including the common law tradition, statute law and delegated legislation; and the judicial process and its interface with contemporary legal theory.
Torts Law
Torts law is the first substantive law unit in the LLB. It introduces students to the legal principles and policy of a variety of torts, defences and remedies. It introduces students to the generic legal skills of case reading, analysis and note taking, statutory interpretation and legal problem solving, as well as placing the law in the wider political and social context.
Contracts
Contracts covers the formation of contracts, the requirement of writing, privity of contract, contractual terms and their interpretation, breach of contract, discharge of contractual obligations and elements vitiating its formation such as misrepresentation, misleading an deceptive conduct, mistake, undue influence, unconscionability, duress and discharge. Statutory developments are also considered such as the Contracts Review Act 1980 (NSW) and Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth), as are the historic and theoretical aspects of the development of the law of contract.
Constitutional Law
This unit introduces the legal rules and doctrines governing state and commonwealth constitutional systems in Australia. Topics covered include: the constitution and operation of and legal relationships between, legislative, executive and judicial arms of state and commonwealth governments; the separation of powers; the legal relations between state and commonwealth laws and governmental institutions; and the legislative powers of the commonwealth as prescribed by the commonwealth constitution.
Spring session
Law Foundation
This unit gives students an introduction to a range of perspectives on the history and philosophy of the humanities, science and the social sciences and their relationship to law.
Criminal Law
This unit introduces students to the basic principles of criminal law and criminal responsibility and the criminal justice process as located in its broader social and political context.
Property Law
The unit introduces basic concepts and principles of Property law, including the meaning of property; legal and equitable estates and other interests is land; and the Torrens system of registered title.
Professional Responsibility and Legal Ethics
This unit examines the nature of the legal profession and its role in society. It deals with the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities lawyers owe to the law, the courts, their clients, to fellow practitioners, as well as the state and society at large. The unit does this, in part, by a consideration of professionalism; ethics; the history, structure and regulation of the legal profession by professional bodies and the impact of lawyers and society on each other.
Year 2
Autumn session
Commercial Law
This unit provides an introduction to the general principles of commercial law. It also examines key aspects of substantive commercial law principles as they arise in a practical context with reference to current developments in the business community. Topics include: the law of principal and agent, guarantee, bailment, negotiable instruments, insurance, credit, sale of goods, trade practices and consumer protection law.
Equity Trusts and Remedies 1
This unit examines the principles of the law of Equity trusts and remedies in Australia. The primary emphasis is on the nature and development of the law of Equity and students are also introduced to fundamental principles in the law of trusts and remedies. Topics include the nature and application of principles and maxims of Equity, the trust, the types of trusts and introduction to express trusts and the nature and scope of some selected remedies.
LLB alternate unit 1
LLB alternate unit 2
Spring session
Law of Associations
This unit deals with issues that arise in relation to the selection of appropriate structures for the conduct of non-profit and commercial dealings. Students examine the legal and practical requirements involved in creating, operating and winding up associations, partnerships and corporations. Emphasis is on the creation and operation of corporations, and the duties and liabilities of directors and officers, as well as the rights and obligations of shareholders.
Equity Trusts and Remedies 2
This unit examines the principles of the Law of Equity, Trusts and Remedies in Australia. It examines the major common law, equitable and statutory remedies available to wronged parties in a variety of circumstances. Emphasis is on the analysis of practical and theoretical advantages and disadvantages of various remedies. Topics include the effectiveness of common law and statutory remedies; the nature and application of the trust; the type of trusts; the right of beneficiaries and the scope of remedies.
LLB alternate unit 3
LLB alternate unit 4
Year 3
Autumn session
Revenue Law
A knowledge of revenue law is essential for all students intending to embark on a career in business, commerce or the public sector. This unit will be of particular assistance to graduates taking up a career in the accounting profession, law or taxation administration or practice. The unit aims to provide students with: a knowledge and understanding of the overall system of taxation; a critical analysis of particular aspects of taxation, such as the concept of income and capital, allowable deductions, taxation of business entities, residence of taxpayers and source of income; a knowledge of the practical side of taxation, including, tax accounting and tax administration; and an appreciation of the policy basis of taxation and anti-avoidance. Please Note: The following unit - 200187 Taxation Law is incompatible with this unit and can not be counted for credit.
Dispute Resolution and Civil Procedure
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and theories of dispute resolution, and to consider the distinctive features of alternative modes of dispute resolution including litigation, arbitration and mediation. The unit examines the major roles and practices governing court supervised processes, which are involved in superior court litigation. There is also an examination of how to differentially diagnose a dispute and how to match it to the most appropriate dispute resolution process. Topical issues connected with adversarial and alternative dispute resolution processes are considered.
LLB alternate unit 5
LLB alternate unit 6
Spring session
Administrative Law
This unit examines the legal principles regulating the exercise of power by the executive arm of government in its various manifestations; ministers, government departments and officials, regulatory bodies, tribunals, inferior courts and local councils. This is examined in the context of Australian constitutional arrangements and it is taught in the context of constitutional themes and principles that underpin the law in this area. The exercise of power examined includes decision making, the exercise of discretion, delegated legislation and the decision making procedure of the major administrative tribunals. The focus is on the principles of judicial review developed by the courts, standing and remedies. There is also an examination of major non-judicial avenues of review by the major tribunals such as the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and the Ombudsman. The unit will also examine Freedom of Information legislation.
Criminal Procedure and Evidence
The unit is designed to provide an understanding of the law, the theoretical underpinnings and the underlying policy issues, in the areas of evidence and criminal procedure.
LLB alternate unit 7
LLB alternate unit 8
Recommended Full Time Sequence (Campbelltown)
Year 1
Autumn session
Introduction to Law
This unit introduces students to the basic structure of law, information retrieval, legal research techniques and the judicial process. The unit covers the mechanical aspects of legal research; sources of law, including the common law tradition, statute law and delegated legislation; and the judicial process and its interface with contemporary legal theory.
Torts Law
Torts law is the first substantive law unit in the LLB. It introduces students to the legal principles and policy of a variety of torts, defences and remedies. It introduces students to the generic legal skills of case reading, analysis and note taking, statutory interpretation and legal problem solving, as well as placing the law in the wider political and social context.
Contracts
Contracts covers the formation of contracts, the requirement of writing, privity of contract, contractual terms and their interpretation, breach of contract, discharge of contractual obligations and elements vitiating its formation such as misrepresentation, misleading an deceptive conduct, mistake, undue influence, unconscionability, duress and discharge. Statutory developments are also considered such as the Contracts Review Act 1980 (NSW) and Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth), as are the historic and theoretical aspects of the development of the law of contract.
Constitutional Law
This unit introduces the legal rules and doctrines governing state and commonwealth constitutional systems in Australia. Topics covered include: the constitution and operation of and legal relationships between, legislative, executive and judicial arms of state and commonwealth governments; the separation of powers; the legal relations between state and commonwealth laws and governmental institutions; and the legislative powers of the commonwealth as prescribed by the commonwealth constitution.
Spring session
Law Foundation
This unit gives students an introduction to a range of perspectives on the history and philosophy of the humanities, science and the social sciences and their relationship to law.
Criminal Law
This unit introduces students to the basic principles of criminal law and criminal responsibility and the criminal justice process as located in its broader social and political context.
Property Law
The unit introduces basic concepts and principles of Property law, including the meaning of property; legal and equitable estates and other interests is land; and the Torrens system of registered title.
Professional Responsibility and Legal Ethics
This unit examines the nature of the legal profession and its role in society. It deals with the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities lawyers owe to the law, the courts, their clients, to fellow practitioners, as well as the state and society at large. The unit does this, in part, by a consideration of professionalism; ethics; the history, structure and regulation of the legal profession by professional bodies and the impact of lawyers and society on each other.
Year 2
Autumn session
Law of Associations
This unit deals with issues that arise in relation to the selection of appropriate structures for the conduct of non-profit and commercial dealings. Students examine the legal and practical requirements involved in creating, operating and winding up associations, partnerships and corporations. Emphasis is on the creation and operation of corporations, and the duties and liabilities of directors and officers, as well as the rights and obligations of shareholders.
Equity Trusts and Remedies 1
This unit examines the principles of the law of equity trusts and remedies in Australia. The primary emphasis is on the nature and development of the law of equity and students are also introduced to fundamental principles in the law of trusts and remedies. Topics include the nature and application of principles and maxims of Equity, the trust, the types of trusts and introduction to express trusts and the nature and scope of some selected remedies.
LLB alternate unit 1
LLB alternate unit 2
Spring session
Equity Trusts and Remedies 2
This unit examines the principles of the Law of Equity, Trusts and Remedies in Australia. It examines the major common law, equitable and statutory remedies available to wronged parties in a variety of circumstances. Emphasis is on the analysis of practical and theoretical advantages and disadvantages of various remedies. Topics include the effectiveness of common law and statutory remedies; the nature and application of the trust; the type of trusts; the right of beneficiaries and the scope of remedies.
Commercial Law
This unit provides an introduction to the general principles of commercial law. It also examines key aspects of substantive commercial law principles as they arise in a practical context with reference to current developments in the business community. Topics include: the law of principal and agent, guarantee, bailment, negotiable instruments, insurance, credit, sale of goods, trade practices and consumer protection law.
LLB alternate unit 3
LLB alternate unit 4
Year 3
Autumn session
Criminal Procedure and Evidence
The unit is designed to provide an understanding of the law, the theoretical underpinnings and the underlying policy issues, in the areas of evidence and criminal procedure.
Administrative Law
This unit examines the legal principles regulating the exercise of power by the executive arm of government in its various manifestations; ministers, government departments and officials, regulatory bodies, tribunals, inferior courts and local councils. This is examined in the context of Australian constitutional arrangements and it is taught in the context of constitutional themes and principles that underpin the law in this area. The exercise of power examined includes decision making, the exercise of discretion, delegated legislation and the decision making procedure of the major administrative tribunals. The focus is on the principles of judicial review developed by the courts, standing and remedies. There is also an examination of major non-judicial avenues of review by the major tribunals such as the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and the Ombudsman. The unit will also examine Freedom of Information legislation.
LLB alternate unit 5
LLB alternate unit 6
Spring session
Revenue Law
A knowledge of revenue law is essential for all students intending to embark on a career in business, commerce or the public sector. This unit will be of particular assistance to graduates taking up a career in the accounting profession, law or taxation administration or practice. The unit aims to provide students with: a knowledge and understanding of the overall system of taxation; a critical analysis of particular aspects of taxation, such as the concept of income and capital, allowable deductions, taxation of business entities, residence of taxpayers and source of income; a knowledge of the practical side of taxation, including, tax accounting and tax administration; and an appreciation of the policy basis of taxation and anti-avoidance. Please Note: The following unit - 200187 Taxation Law is incompatible with this unit and can not be counted for credit.
Dispute Resolution and Civil Procedure
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and theories of dispute resolution, and to consider the distinctive features of alternative modes of dispute resolution including litigation, arbitration and mediation. The unit examines the major roles and practices governing court supervised processes, which are involved in superior court litigation. There is also an examination of how to differentially diagnose a dispute and how to match it to the most appropriate dispute resolution process. Topical issues connected with adversarial and alternative dispute resolution processes are considered.
LLB alternate unit 7
LLB alternate unit 8
Recommended Part Time Sequence (Parramatta)
Year 1
Autumn session
Introduction to Law
This unit introduces students to the basic structure of law, information retrieval, legal research techniques and the judicial process. The unit covers the mechanical aspects of legal research; sources of law, including the common law tradition, statute law and delegated legislation; and the judicial process and its interface with contemporary legal theory.
Torts Law
Torts law is the first substantive law unit in the LLB. It introduces students to the legal principles and policy of a variety of torts, defences and remedies. It introduces students to the generic legal skills of case reading, analysis and note taking, statutory interpretation and legal problem solving, as well as placing the law in the wider political and social context.
Spring session
Law Foundation
This unit gives students an introduction to a range of perspectives on the history and philosophy of the humanities, science and the social sciences and their relationship to law.
Criminal Law
This unit introduces students to the basic principles of criminal law and criminal responsibility and the criminal justice process as located in its broader social and political context.
Year 2
Autumn session
Contracts
Contracts covers the formation of contracts, the requirement of writing, privity of contract, contractual terms and their interpretation, breach of contract, discharge of contractual obligations and elements vitiating its formation such as misrepresentation, misleading an deceptive conduct, mistake, undue influence, unconscionability, duress and discharge. Statutory developments are also considered such as the Contracts Review Act 1980 (NSW) and Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth), as are the historic and theoretical aspects of the development of the law of contract.
Constitutional Law
This unit introduces the legal rules and doctrines governing state and commonwealth constitutional systems in Australia. Topics covered include: the constitution and operation of and legal relationships between, legislative, executive and judicial arms of state and commonwealth governments; the separation of powers; the legal relations between state and commonwealth laws and governmental institutions; and the legislative powers of the commonwealth as prescribed by the commonwealth constitution.
Spring session
Property Law
The unit introduces basic concepts and principles of Property law, including the meaning of property; legal and equitable estates and other interests is land; and the Torrens system of registered title.
Professional Responsibility and Legal Ethics
This unit examines the nature of the legal profession and its role in society. It deals with the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities lawyers owe to the law, the courts, their clients, to fellow practitioners, as well as the state and society at large. The unit does this, in part, by a consideration of professionalism; ethics; the history, structure and regulation of the legal profession by professional bodies and the impact of lawyers and society on each other.
Year 3
Autumn session
Commercial Law
This unit provides an introduction to the general principles of commercial law. It also examines key aspects of substantive commercial law principles as they arise in a practical context with reference to current developments in the business community. Topics include: the law of principal and agent, guarantee, bailment, negotiable instruments, insurance, credit, sale of goods, trade practices and consumer protection law.
Equity Trusts and Remedies 1
This unit examines the principles of the law of equity trusts and remedies in Australia. The primary emphasis is on the nature and development of the law of equity and students are also introduced to fundamental principles in the law of trusts and remedies. Topics include the nature and application of principles and maxims of Equity, the trust, the types of trusts and introduction to express trusts and the nature and scope of some selected remedies.
Spring session
Law of Associations
This unit deals with issues that arise in relation to the selection of appropriate structures for the conduct of non-profit and commercial dealings. Students examine the legal and practical requirements involved in creating, operating and winding up associations, partnerships and corporations. Emphasis is on the creation and operation of corporations, and the duties and liabilities of directors and officers, as well as the rights and obligations of shareholders.
Equity Trusts and Remedies 2
This unit examines the principles of the Law of Equity, Trusts and Remedies in Australia. It examines the major common law, equitable and statutory remedies available to wronged parties in a variety of circumstances. Emphasis is on the analysis of practical and theoretical advantages and disadvantages of various remedies. Topics include the effectiveness of common law and statutory remedies; the nature and application of the trust; the type of trusts; the right of beneficiaries and the scope of remedies.
Year 4
Autumn session
Revenue Law
A knowledge of revenue law is essential for all students intending to embark on a career in business, commerce or the public sector. This unit will be of particular assistance to graduates taking up a career in the accounting profession, law or taxation administration or practice. The unit aims to provide students with: a knowledge and understanding of the overall system of taxation; a critical analysis of particular aspects of taxation, such as the concept of income and capital, allowable deductions, taxation of business entities, residence of taxpayers and source of income; a knowledge of the practical side of taxation, including, tax accounting and tax administration; and an appreciation of the policy basis of taxation and anti-avoidance. Please Note: The following unit - 200187 Taxation Law is incompatible with this unit and can not be counted for credit.
Dispute Resolution and Civil Procedure
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and theories of dispute resolution, and to consider the distinctive features of alternative modes of dispute resolution including litigation, arbitration and mediation. The unit examines the major roles and practices governing court supervised processes, which are involved in superior court litigation. There is also an examination of how to differentially diagnose a dispute and how to match it to the most appropriate dispute resolution process. Topical issues connected with adversarial and alternative dispute resolution processes are considered.
Spring session
Administrative Law
This unit examines the legal principles regulating the exercise of power by the executive arm of government in its various manifestations; ministers, government departments and officials, regulatory bodies, tribunals, inferior courts and local councils. This is examined in the context of Australian constitutional arrangements and it is taught in the context of constitutional themes and principles that underpin the law in this area. The exercise of power examined includes decision making, the exercise of discretion, delegated legislation and the decision making procedure of the major administrative tribunals. The focus is on the principles of judicial review developed by the courts, standing and remedies. There is also an examination of major non-judicial avenues of review by the major tribunals such as the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and the Ombudsman. The unit will also examine Freedom of Information legislation.
Criminal Procedure and Evidence
The unit is designed to provide an understanding of the law, the theoretical underpinnings and the underlying policy issues, in the areas of evidence and criminal procedure.
Year 5
Autumn session
LLB alternate unit 1
LLB alternate unit 2
Spring session
LLB alternate unit 3
LLB alternate unit 4
Year 6
Autumn session
LLB alternate unit 5
LLB alternate unit 6
Spring session
LLB alternate unit 7
LLB alternate unit 8
Recommended Part Time Sequence (Campbelltown)
Year 1
Autumn session
Introduction to Law
This unit introduces students to the basic structure of law, information retrieval, legal research techniques and the judicial process. The unit covers the mechanical aspects of legal research; sources of law, including the common law tradition, statute law and delegated legislation; and the judicial process and its interface with contemporary legal theory.
Torts Law
Torts law is the first substantive law unit in the LLB. It introduces students to the legal principles and policy of a variety of torts, defences and remedies. It introduces students to the generic legal skills of case reading, analysis and note taking, statutory interpretation and legal problem solving, as well as placing the law in the wider political and social context.
Spring session
Law Foundation
This unit gives students an introduction to a range of perspectives on the history and philosophy of the humanities, science and the social sciences and their relationship to law.
Criminal Law
This unit introduces students to the basic principles of criminal law and criminal responsibility and the criminal justice process as located in its broader social and political context.
Year 2
Autumn session
Contracts
Contracts covers the formation of contracts, the requirement of writing, privity of contract, contractual terms and their interpretation, breach of contract, discharge of contractual obligations and elements vitiating its formation such as misrepresentation, misleading an deceptive conduct, mistake, undue influence, unconscionability, duress and discharge. Statutory developments are also considered such as the Contracts Review Act 1980 (NSW) and Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth), as are the historic and theoretical aspects of the development of the law of contract.
Constitutional Law
This unit introduces the legal rules and doctrines governing state and commonwealth constitutional systems in Australia. Topics covered include: the constitution and operation of and legal relationships between, legislative, executive and judicial arms of state and commonwealth governments; the separation of powers; the legal relations between state and commonwealth laws and governmental institutions; and the legislative powers of the commonwealth as prescribed by the commonwealth constitution.
Spring session
Property Law
The unit introduces basic concepts and principles of Property law, including the meaning of property; legal and equitable estates and other interests is land; and the Torrens system of registered title.
Professional Responsibility and Legal Ethics
This unit examines the nature of the legal profession and its role in society. It deals with the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities lawyers owe to the law, the courts, their clients, to fellow practitioners, as well as the state and society at large. The unit does this, in part, by a consideration of professionalism; ethics; the history, structure and regulation of the legal profession by professional bodies and the impact of lawyers and society on each other.
Year 3
Autumn session
Law of Associations
This unit deals with issues that arise in relation to the selection of appropriate structures for the conduct of non-profit and commercial dealings. Students examine the legal and practical requirements involved in creating, operating and winding up associations, partnerships and corporations. Emphasis is on the creation and operation of corporations, and the duties and liabilities of directors and officers, as well as the rights and obligations of shareholders.
Equity Trusts and Remedies 1
This unit examines the principles of the law of equity trusts and remedies in Australia. The primary emphasis is on the nature and development of the law of equity and students are also introduced to fundamental principles in the law of trusts and remedies. Topics include the nature and application of principles and maxims of Equity, the trust, the types of trusts and introduction to express trusts and the nature and scope of some selected remedies.
Spring session
Commercial Law
This unit provides an introduction to the general principles of commercial law. It also examines key aspects of substantive commercial law principles as they arise in a practical context with reference to current developments in the business community. Topics include: the law of principal and agent, guarantee, bailment, negotiable instruments, insurance, credit, sale of goods, trade practices and consumer protection law.
Equity Trusts and Remedies 2
This unit examines the principles of the Law of Equity, Trusts and Remedies in Australia. It examines the major common law, equitable and statutory remedies available to wronged parties in a variety of circumstances. Emphasis is on the analysis of practical and theoretical advantages and disadvantages of various remedies. Topics include the effectiveness of common law and statutory remedies; the nature and application of the trust; the type of trusts; the right of beneficiaries and the scope of remedies.
Year 4
Autumn session
Administrative Law
This unit examines the legal principles regulating the exercise of power by the executive arm of government in its various manifestations; ministers, government departments and officials, regulatory bodies, tribunals, inferior courts and local councils. This is examined in the context of Australian constitutional arrangements and it is taught in the context of constitutional themes and principles that underpin the law in this area. The exercise of power examined includes decision making, the exercise of discretion, delegated legislation and the decision making procedure of the major administrative tribunals. The focus is on the principles of judicial review developed by the courts, standing and remedies. There is also an examination of major non-judicial avenues of review by the major tribunals such as the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and the Ombudsman. The unit will also examine Freedom of Information legislation.
Criminal Procedure and Evidence
The unit is designed to provide an understanding of the law, the theoretical underpinnings and the underlying policy issues, in the areas of evidence and criminal procedure.
Spring session
Revenue Law
A knowledge of revenue law is essential for all students intending to embark on a career in business, commerce or the public sector. This unit will be of particular assistance to graduates taking up a career in the accounting profession, law or taxation administration or practice. The unit aims to provide students with: a knowledge and understanding of the overall system of taxation; a critical analysis of particular aspects of taxation, such as the concept of income and capital, allowable deductions, taxation of business entities, residence of taxpayers and source of income; a knowledge of the practical side of taxation, including, tax accounting and tax administration; and an appreciation of the policy basis of taxation and anti-avoidance. Please Note: The following unit - 200187 Taxation Law is incompatible with this unit and can not be counted for credit.
Dispute Resolution and Civil Procedure
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and theories of dispute resolution, and to consider the distinctive features of alternative modes of dispute resolution including litigation, arbitration and mediation. The unit examines the major roles and practices governing court supervised processes, which are involved in superior court litigation. There is also an examination of how to differentially diagnose a dispute and how to match it to the most appropriate dispute resolution process. Topical issues connected with adversarial and alternative dispute resolution processes are considered.
Year 5
Autumn session
LLB alternate unit 1
LLB alternate unit 2
Spring session
LLB alternate unit 3
LLB alternate unit 4
Year 6
Autumn session
LLB alternate unit 5
LLB alternate unit 6
Spring session
LLB alternate unit 7
LLB alternate unit 8
LLB Alternate Units
Students may choose 80 credit points of units from the following list.
Land Transactions Law
This unit gives students an in-depth treatment of various aspects of the law relating to the transfer of land and interests in land. Transactions dealing with land are examined from both a commercial and residential perspective. These matters form an integral part of the practice of law and are approached from a practical perspective. Topics include the standard agreement for sale of land, the law and practice relating to different title systems, mortgages, leases, easements and covenants.
Advanced Taxation Law
This is an advanced level study of selected aspects of income tax and capital gains. It includes an examination of other taxes, including sales tax, stamp duty, payroll tax, death duty and estate duty.
International Criminal Law
This unit will analyse current international criminal law within the international legal system in light of recent developments including the establishment of the International Criminal Court, the jurisprudence of the ad hoc International Criminal Tribunals and proceedings against Pinochet and Milosevic. This will also involve consideration of 'national' attempts to implement justice, through domestic courts and Truth and Reconcilliation Commissions and the need for States to reform their national laws. The unit will examine substantive and procedural international criminal law principles, the functioning of the various international tribunals, specific international crimes and defences, with reference to recent important cases.
Professional Legal Skills 1
Professional Legal Skills 1 is the first of a stream of two units which will focus on the following professional legal skills: (i) administrative law practice, (ii) some aspects of civil litigation practice,(iii) certain lawyer’s skills and (iv) certain aspects of problem solving. The areas and skills covered will mirror the Competency Standards for practical legal training that have been jointly developed by the Australasian Professional Legal Education Council (APLEC) and the Law Admissions Consultative Committee.
Professional Legal Skills 2
Professional Legal Skills 2 is the second of a stream of two units which will focus on the following professional legal skills: (i) some aspects of civil litigation practice, (ii) criminal law practice and (iii) certain lawyer’s skills. The areas and skills covered will mirror the Competency Standards for practical legal training that have been jointly developed by the Australasian Professional Legal Education Council (APLEC) and the Law Admissions Consultative Committee.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
This unit will examine the theory and practice of alternative dispute resolution generally, and in the context of the Australian legal system specifically, although the course does not focus specifically on the law. The unit is experientially-based, and students will be expected to participate in discussions, exercises and role-plays. The theory and practice of conflict and dispute resolution will be critically considered, as will the social, cultural and legal contexts within which alternative dispute resolution occurs. The unit is presented with a multi-disciplinary, analytical and practical approach.Although an introduction to mediation is included in this unit, it is not a unit on mediation.
Although an introduction to mediation is included in this unit, it is not a unit on mediation.
This unit will provide students with a broad understanding of the theory and practice of dispute resolution, and provide them with the basic skills required to resolve disputes more effectively.
Mediation
This unit will examine the theory and practice of mediation, specifically in the context of the Australian legal system. It builds upon the more general introduction given in the unit Alternative Dispute Resolution (which is a prerequisite for this course). This unite will assume that students have read the textbook for Alternative Dispute Resolution.
This unit is experientially based, and students will be expected to participate in discussions, exercises and role-plays. The theory and practice of mediation will be critically considered, as will the social and legal contexts within which mediation is practised. The unit is presented with a multi-disciplinary, analytical and practical approach.
Given the very broad range of areas within which mediation can be applied, students will be able to focus on an area or areas of particular personal or professional interest to them (for example, mediation of commercial disputes, mediation under anti-discrimination or family law). This unit is intended to be an introduction to the practice of mediation.
Bioethics
This unit covers some of the ethical and legal issues associated with medical practice and research, including issues raised by new developments in biotechnology. There is a strong emphasis on clarification of personal values. Topics covered include some of the following: the nature of moral thinking, issues of life and death, experimentation and research involving human and animal subjects, organ transplantation, genetic manipulation, new reproductive technologies, access and rationing of health care resources and ethical issues in psychiatry.
Law Economics and Business Ethics
This unit considers ethical analysis of institutions and practices of contemporary market capitalism as a foundation for possible future legal reforms. Topics covered include; market efficiency and externalities, corporations and regulation, principles of distributive justice, the ethics of globalization, class and crime.
Law of Employment
This unit focuses on the law that regulates individual aspects of employment relationships including the contract of employment rather than the focus on collective aspects of the law of employment. It aims to place an examination of the development, nature and scope of relevant legal principles in the context of the key features of the contemporary Australian labour market.
Immigration and Refugee Law
This unit combines a detailed examination of the actual law and processes of Australian immigration and refugee law with a rigorous critique from an histrorical, international and political standpoint.
Comparative Law: Legal Systems of the World
The unit introduces students to the different legal systems of the world: the common law and civil law traditions, indigenous legal systems, religion-based legal systems and legal systems in Asia. It aims to provide an understanding of how they have developed in particular legal and cultural contexts. It also examines and evaluates the impact of the introduction of western legal systems in non-western countries.
The unit will study the systems of both at the general level and in relation to specific laws, such as family law, torts and contracts, dispute resolution and procedure.
The unit is also concerned with the nature and function of comparative law as a discipline. Students will be encouraged to undertake individual research and to evaluate legal information derived from a variety of different sources and perspectives.
Advanced Family Law
This unit adopts a range of interdisciplinary and theoretical perspectives to critically evaluate developments in and proposals for reform of family law, policy and practice. It provides students with the opportunity to research and examine particular areas of interest, including family law reform, post separation arrangements for children, parenthood, financial planning and protection of assets, professional responsibility of family lawyers and family dispute resolution.
Child Law
This unit examines legal responses (and lack of response) to children and young people. Historically, the child was viewed as an object of legal concern with few legal rights and inadequate means to access and participate in decisions and legal processes that affect them. Developments in international and domestic law indicate greater recognition of the child’s capacity to make decisions and acknowledge his or her right to be heard in matters which will affect the child. This unit adopts a range of interdisciplinary and theoretical perspectives to critically evaluate developments in theory, laws, policies and practices relating to children and young people.
Competition Law and Policy
In this unit students will study a diverse range of legal cases and principles with particular concentration on current developments in Trade Practices relating to the application of Competition Law and Policy.
The Trade Practices Act 1974, Competition Policy Reform Act 1995, Corporations Act 2001, and Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act, 2001 (Cth), and contextual recent Federal and State case law will feature. At the end of the unit, students will be expected to have competency in these areas.
Some reference will also be made to equivalent overseas laws and to reform issues. Particular reference will be made to current EU and US competition law.
Elder Law
This unit examines law relevant to an aging community. The legal issues are examined in a broad social, cultural and ethical context. Issues of legal capacity relevant not only to the law of contracts but also to medical treatment and end of life decisions are considered. Similarly the law relating to areas of special importance to the elder community such as age discrimination, pensions, retirement villages, wills and estate planning are also discussed.
Family Law
The purpose of this unit is to graduate reflective, ethical and effective family lawyers. This unit adopts a range of interdisciplinary and theoretical perspectives and legal principles to critically evaluate developments in theory, laws, policies and practices concerned with the legal regulation of intimate relationships, particularly after separation. Family Law endeavours to regulate vital interpersonal and property disputes at times of high personal stress, and often animosity. Family Law is therefore called on to make difficult decisions in balancing the competing rights, obligations and interests of partners, children and others following separation.
Feminist Legal Theory and Practice
This unit will assist students to develop a theoretical appreciation of the feminist critique of law and a practical understanding of the relevance of this critique and of the role of law in women’s lives. The unit will link theory and practice by applying the insights of feminist theory and feminist legal theory to practical issues affecting women. The unit will critically examine the role of law in sustaining women’s inequality, contributing to their economic dependence, constructing relationships, controlling women’s reproductive bodies and perpetrating gendered harms. It will also consider the value and limits of law in achieving change.
Human Rights Law
This unit examines the foundations of the concept of human rights under international law. It contains an historical review of international measures for the protection of human rights and how international law came to be concerned with the rights of individuals. Special attention is given to key international human rights instruments such as The Charter of the United Nations, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It also examines the extent to which international human rights have been compromised by issues of sovereignty, cultural relativism and political resistance towards comprehensive incorporation of some of the fundamental principles into domestic law.
Intellectual Property
In modern society, increasing reliance is placed on and value attached to intangibles such as patents, copyright, trademarks and designs. This unit builds upon concepts learned in Property Law, and analyses the extent to which the legal system recognises, protects and regulates the exploitation of exclusive rights in certain intangible industrial and intellectual properties.
International Business Transactions Law
This unit is designed to be taught offshore as well as in Australia. It examines the legal regimes governing international business; what lawyer do when negotiating and drafting international trade; licensing, and investment arrangements; what needs to be taken into account when dealing with developed, developing, and non-market economies; and the interplay of law, politics and culture in these contexts.
International Trade Law
This unit examines the legal regime governing the international exchange of goods, services and capital. While the focus of the unit will be the WTO and the GATT and GATS agreements, attention will also be given to the interaction of trade and monetary issues, and the interplay of law, politics and diplomacy in regulating these issues. Topics include: the international legal framework for international trade and finance; international, structural and transactional aspects of international trade and finance; the impact of national and foreign trade policies on world trading activities; the role and interest of Australia as a trading nation; and trade as a political issue.
Medical Malpractice Law
The relationship between the provider of health services and the patient has, in recent times, become more complex and provides a significant field for litigation, reform and legal scholarship.
Advances in medical science have yielded increasingly complex questions concerning patient’s rights, obligations of health care providers and the extent to which the State should intervene in that relationship.
This unit aims to provide knowledge and understanding of core practical issues in Australian medical litigation; together with an overview of some cutting edge legal and policy issues that arise in medical litigation.
Wills and Succession
Wills and Succession is that body of law that deals with the devolution of property upon death. The unit encompasses inter alia the law relating to intestacy, the making of a valid will, the administration of the estate and what is known as testator’s family maintenance. This unit is of particular importance to those students who intend to practice either as a solicitor or barrister as Wills and Succession forms a significant part of private practice.
Advocacy
This unit imparts basic courtroom trial skills giving practice in applying substantive law, practice, procedure and evidence in a simulated courtroom. It also explores both professional and ethical issues involved in the courtroom. There is a limit on enrolment in this unit because of the teaching method adopted.
Planning and Environment Law
This unit seeks to achieve a balance among theory, policy and practical issues in its approach, and it incorporates a strong interdisciplinary component in the introductory phase. It examines the planning and pollution control laws in the state of New South Wales. Topics covered include an analysis of the functions of the relevant ministers, State government departments, and local councils; the role of public agencies; the effect of environmental planning instruments; and the impact of the planning system.
Corporate Finance and Securities Regulation Law
The Unit examines the regulatory aspects of corporate finance decision making, the issuance of corporate securities, and their secondary market trading both on-line and off-line. The Unit is both interdisciplinary (law, and aspects of accounting, economics, and behavioural theory), and comparative (the Australian Securities markets vis a vis the US and UK markets, as against the Japanese and German securities markets). Where appropriate, the influence of taxation law and policy are also taken into account.
Topics discussed include the theory and development of securities markets, internationalisation of securities markets and its consequences, regulation of market practices such as manipulation and insider trading, continuing corporate disclosure requirements, and the licensing and conduct of securities business including the futures industry.
Jurisprudence
This unit provides a theoretical perspective on the law and its institutions, relevant to an understanding of both the notion of law itself and the way in which the legal system operates. Students analyse and compare differing theories of the nature and role of law and legislation.
Advanced Torts and Civil Wrongs
Advanced torts and civil wrongs examines in detail the basic principles and current issues in selected areas of torts law and civil liability.
Computer Law
The legal consequences of the widespread use of computers are examined. Computerised transactions are analysed from technological and legal perspectives in order to determine and differentiate features distinct from other transactional forms. Matters including the abuse of computers, the privacy of computerised data, and electronic banking are critically analysed to reveal a variety of issues that are legally significant.
Space Law - Commercial Aspects
This unit examines the underlying legal principles that regulate the use, exploration and exploitation of space, and how International Law can and should be applied to the many different State and private commercial uses of outer space. It examines the existing international legal regime – the five United Nations Space Treaties and key Declarations of Principles related to space activities - as well as a number of domestic regulatory systems, including the Australian legal regime. The unit also concentrates on the (many) uses and proposed uses of space for which the legal framework may not be particularly well suited.
Public International Law
Public International Law regulates nation states and seeks to order human affairs at the international level. As developments in technology and travel continue to shrink the distance between nations, issues of public international law become increasingly important. This unit explores the nature, role and characteristics of international law; concepts of statehood; sovereignty and jurisdiction; the relationship between domestic and international law; the role of law and treaties; and the role of international organisations such as the United Nations and International Court of Justice. The specific issues covered reflect contemporaneous and contentious issues of international law.
Anti-Discrimination Law
This unit deals with the law and policy concerned with unlawful discrimination in Australia. The various grounds of unlawful discrimination in federal and NSW state legislation are examined together with the procedure for investigating and determining complaints. It deals with the promotion of equal opportunity goals through affirmative action programs and their limitations; and the nature of and legislative strategies for dealing with sexual harassment. It also covers the wide range of anti-discrimination laws and the emergence of private justice systems and equal opportunity grievance procedures to deal with complaints either as a preliminary or as an alternative to statute-based procedures.
Consumer Protection Law
This unit builds on concepts learned in Contracts and Commercial Law. It provides a detailed examination of misleading or deceptive conduct under section 52 of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth), and related provisions dealing with false or misleading representations. Unconscionable conduct under the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) and relevant industry codes will also be covered. The protection offered to consumers through this regime will be explored in a range of contexts, including regulation of advertising, the financial services sector and e-commerce. Enforcement through civil and criminal proceedings, including accessorial liability, and a range of defences to these actions will also be covered.
Conflicts of Law
Conflict of Laws (also known as Private International Law) is about resolving legal questions involving more than one jurisdiction. Conflict of Laws issues may arise between the Australian States and Territories or between nations. The globalisation of economic activity, and ease and affordability of travel and telecommunications have contributed to the recent dramatic increase of trans-national dimensions in personal and commercial litigation. This unit provides an introduction to the sources of conflict of laws, the international jurisdiction of domestic courts, the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgements and decrees, and the problem of choice of law as it arises in various situations.
Corporate Governance
Through an interdisciplinary approach, this unit explores the place and role of the modern for profit business corporation in advanced and emerging capitalist economies. It examines the public and private role of public and private companies (and their equivalent in non-common law jurisdictions), their external and internal orientation, and issues relating to their accountability, responsibility, and transparency.
Electronic Financial Transactions Law
This unit examines electronic financial transactions from a legal perspective. It explores in details a variety of legal issues raised by different methods of transferring funds electronically, and provides a framework against which legal controls affecting these methods are critically evaluated.
Insolvency Law and Policy
The laws regulating insolvency administration have developed over time into an integral component of the legal system, domestic and international. By purposive analysis of the Australian and cross-border legislative provisions, this unit introduces the law and public policies by which regulators administer insolvent corporate entities and persons, and examines potential outcomes, including restructuring proposals.
Occupational Health and Safety Law
This unit examines major occupational and health legislation in Australia, especially in New South Wales. The arbitrary and inadequate nature of standard setting in the early systems of safety regulation is compared with later legislative models. The nature and limitations of current legislative strategies are illustrated by a series of selected issues relating to contemporary health risks in workplaces. Continuing problems of enforcement, sanctions and the adequate identification of hazards and protection are examined.
Media Law
This unit examines various aspects of law relating to the mass media. The laws of defamation, contempt, privacy and the laws dealing with prohibited publications, such as those involving sedition, obscenity or vilification, form the central content of the unit. Industry codes, journalists’ ethics and protection of their sources will also be studied. The unit also examines the policy rationales involved in balancing protection of free speech with a range of other interests in the context of legal restrictions on media freedom. The impact of new technologies on existing media regulation and the emerging area of cyberspace media law will also be featured throughout the unit.
Advanced Criminal Law
Advanced Criminal Law is a unit designed to extend your knowledge beyond that of the core academic and practical topics of the LLB unit Criminal Law. This will be achieved by examining the deeper philosophical issues that demand that the criminal law meet the requirements of fairness and justice. You will be given the opportunity to extend your knowledge of the mechanics of the criminal law by an examination of the philosophy of criminal law. You will consider the moral limits of punishment and criminalisation, and examine the philosophical basis for criminal responsibility. This subject is designed to get you to think at a high level. It requires you to think about what the law ought to be, rather than merely about what it is.
International Moot Court
This course aims to train students in litigation and advocacy before international courts. Students will be provided with a grounding in issues including jurisdiction, admissibility, interim measures, principles of state responsibility and remedies. The course will focus on the International Court of Justice. The course will also have a practical component aimed at enhancing the advocacy skills of participants and applying the theory to the practical aspects of the conduct of international advocacy. Students will be involved in the preparation and presentation of a hypothetical case before the ICJ and will be given the opportunity to develop their advocacy skills, including the preparation of written submissions and delivery of oral submissions, in a non-competitive context. From within those students undertaking this Unit, a number will be selected for participation in an international law mooting competition, representing University of Western Sydney. Depending on the circumstances at the time, the possible competitions will be one or more of the following: Jessup International Law Court Competition; Jean Pictet International Humanitarian Law Competition; Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Competition; Stetson International Environmental Law Competition. Other alternate competitions may be chosen in the future. For several of the competitions, the majority of the work will be conducted over the summer months and students will be required to undertake that they will devote sufficient time during that period to properly undertake all required tasks.
Australian Moot Court
This unit aims to train students in mooting conducted before an Australian appellate court or tribunal. Students will be provided with a grounding in issues including jurisdiction, admissibility, and remedies. The unit will focus on one or more areas of domestic substantive law and will include a research component. The unit will also have a practical component aimed at enhancing the advocacy skills of participants and applying the theory to the practical aspects of the conduct of appellate advocacy. Students will be involved in the preparation and presentation of a hypothetical case before an Australian appellate court or tribunal and will be given the opportunity to develop their advocacy skills, including the preparation of written submissions and delivery of oral submissions, in a non-competitive context. From within those students undertaking this unit, a number will be selected for participation in one or more selected Australian law mooting competitions, representing University of Western Sydney. Depending on the circumstances at the time, the possible competitions will be one or more of the following: Sir Harry Gibbs Constitutional Law Moot, Sir John Peden Contracts Moot, Shine Lawyers Torts Moot, AAT Moot, and the Law Council of Australia Family Law Moot. Other alternate competitions may be chosen in the future. For several of the competitions, the majority of the work will be conducted over the summer months and students will be required to undertake that they will devote sufficient time during that period to properly undertake all required tasks. Students wishing to be selected to participate in a Mooting competition will be expected to pay the cost of participation subject to any contribution the School may be able to contribute by way of assistance.
Banking and Securities Law
This unit examines the banker customer relationship, the taking and enforcement of security for credit, and the regulation of banks and non bank financial institutions nationally and internationally. Examined in detail are (1) the legal relationships that ensue from different forms of international bank finance and the nature and effect of various contractual provisions designed to assure payment by the debtor, (2) the impact on the creditor’s rights of the insolvency of the debtor or of a major clearing participant, (3) the effect of government interference with payment through expropriation and freezing of financial assets, and (4) the role of Central Banks and the Bank for International Settlements.
Clincal Legal Placement
Clinical Legal Placement allows students to attend a legal centre or service for ten (10) days. This unit has been designed to satisfy ten days of the PLT work experience requirement of the UWS Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice subject to the approval of the Program Head of the GDLP. Places are limited and enrolment is based on merit. This unit provides students with an invaluable opportunity to use and reflect on their study of law in an interactive, legal service environment. Under the supervision of a legal practitioner students will work on advice, casework, policy or project work, as required by the relevant centre or service. Students will examine the practical application of the law and the interaction of law, facts, policy and ethical issues. Studentsu will be exposed to a system of self-analysis and self-criticism. Students will be required to record and reflect on their experiences, deliver a presentation and submit a paper.
Law Honours Dissertation
This unit comprises the research and writing of a research dissertation of between 8,0000 and 10,000 words on an approved topic in law. The unit provides an opportunity for law students to further develop and refine their legal research and writing skills and to explore and analyse a legal topic of their choosing in order to produce a high quality piece of academic work. It includes training in research methodology, and support activities including presenting at an honours research seminar and requires the student to undertake a literature review followed by submission of a research proposal, upon acceptance of which the dissertation is written under supervision.
Issues in the Criminal Justice System
This unit introduces students to the criminal justice system through an examination of theoretical justifications for punishment and the policy and practice of various criminal justice agencies. Attention is paid to the significance of race, class and gender, and how these variables impact upon justice within the criminal justice system. Where possible, visits to criminal justice agencies and a prison are organised, and practitioners are invited to seminars to enable candidates to gain a more practical understanding of the criminal justice system.
Public Health Law
This unit considers various legal issues related to health and medicine. This area of law is relatively new and continually developing and expanding. This unit is primarily concerned with how law has and should respond to various health dilemmas. These include State protection of the community from death and disease (for example immunisation, quarantine, disease outbreaks such as AIDS and Aboriginal health), patient rights, (for example privacy, access to information and human rights) mental illness (including civil commitment and competency to make decisions) and technological advances.
Independent Study (Law)
This unit will result in the writing of a research paper of 5,000 words on an approved topic in law. It is anticipated that the unit will be used is appropriate situations such as where the Law School has a Visiting Professor who is prepared to supervise independent study in an area related to their expertise. The intent is that the areas researched will focus principally on those areas identified by the Schools in its Research Strategy. These include (i) international and trans-national governance, (ii) elder law, (iii) law and medicine. (iv) revenue law and (v) professional services law.
Honours Rules
Students are especially referred to section 36 of the Honours Policy which says:
LLB (Honours) Award Grade Levels
36) In the case of the LLB (Honours), the calculation of the Honours Award level (Class of Honours) is based on the results of Honours Research and the overall course GPA.
1. The award of Honours Class 1 for the LLB (Honours) requires achievement within the range of 85-100 for Honours Research and a GPA of 6.0 or greater in the LLB units.
2. The award of Honours Class 11 Division I for the LLB (Honours) requires achievement within the range of 75-84 for Honours Research and a course GPA of 5.8 or greater in the LLB units.
3. The award of Honours Class 11 Division I I for the LLB (Honours) requires achievement within the range of 65-74 for Honours Research and a course GPA of 5.5 or greater in the LLB units.
4. Honours Class 111 are not awarded in the LLB (Honours).