Key facts
UNE unit code: LLM570
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
The changing nature of society’s interpretation of a family, as well as the constantly changing nature and composition of Australian society in the last few decades, makes family law a volatile and complex subject.
In practice, it is a highly procedural area of law requiring a good knowledge of both case law and statute. It is also an area subject to vigorous policy debates.
Whether you’re interested in legal practice in general or specialist firms, this unit will equip you with a broad and highly developed knowledge of family law. Throughout, you will also develop your ability to think critically, to undertake your own research, and to find solutions to issues relating to often complex legal relationships.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate command and coherent mastery of the nature and scope of the applicable case law, theoretical concepts, legislative provisions and key principles of family law;
- critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate the effectiveness of the current family law framework; engage in legal reasoning and argument, using legal research skills and discourse to provide relevant insight to family law issues from a broad range of perspectives, values and contexts;
- use initiative and creative skills to identify legal issues from a set of hypothetical facts relating to a family law dispute; apply professional judgement and critical reflection to determine the obligations of those involved in the dispute; and
- produce clear and coherent written communications that are based upon analysis, synthesis and legal reasoning to advise interested parties about family law issues.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Invigilated Examination - assurance task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: 2000 |
| Research Essay | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 3500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Annotated Family Law Legislation
ISBN: 9780409363333
Chisholm, R., Suthers, J. and Barnett, M., Lexis Nexis 9th ed. 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Nutshell: Family Law
ISBN: 9780455248899
Monahan, G., Thomson Reuters 6th ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
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