Key facts
UNE unit code: LAW100
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
This introductory unit will help you to gain a foundation in contemporary legal knowledge, from how the legal system operates to how the law is made, and its role in our changing society.
You will learn how to find and interpret the principal sources of law as well as apply legal principles to solve problems. Additionally, you will develop your skills in planning, organising and communicating complex material.
Whether you are studying this unit as the first step towards a legal career or to broaden your general knowledge, this unit will help you to develop the knowledge and capabilities necessary to be a successful learner and valuable professional.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Legal Studies unit available to all students, subject to degree rules
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:
- interpret the principal sources of law, including statutory law and judge-made law, customary law, how the doctrine of precedent operates and the principles of statutory interpretation;
- apply the basic methods of legal analysis; to analyse critically legal problems, including applying relevant case law and legislation to differing contexts and a particular sets of facts;
- demonstrate initiative and autonomy in legal research by locating primary and secondary legal resource material;
- plan, organise and communicate legal advice in writing; and
- demonstrate an informed understanding of the Australian constitutional framework and legal system.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Written assessment No. Words: 1500 |
| Final Invigilated Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | 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 sit the supervised exam and achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Quizzes | No | 10% | All offerings | 2 quizzes 5% each |
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.
Laying Down the Law
ISBN: 9780409357585
Hamer, D., Jones, J., O'Mara, P., Smith, B and Taylor, T., LexisNexis Butterworths 12th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Essential Legal Skills: A Guide for First Year Law Students
ISBN: 9780455249063
Kontra, S., Thomson Reutuers 2nd ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
Concise Australian Legal Dictionary
ISBN: 9780409358186
Finkelstein, R. and Hamer, D., LexisNexis 7th ed. 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
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