Key facts

UNE unit code: LSSU350

*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - Online
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home

This unit equips you with foundational knowledge of the Australian legal system and the administration of the law.

You will gain a comprehensive overview of the Australian legal system, the Australian judicial system, common law and equity as well as case law and precedent, legislation, statutory interpretation, legal research and legal writing.

You will also explore criminal law, white collar crime, real property, personal property and intellectual property.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Restrictions
LSSU450 or LAW379
Combined units

Notes

Legal Studies unit available to all students, other than Law students, subject to degree rules. Those students wishing to meet the qualification requirements of the Tax Practitioners Board should also consider enrolling in LSSU451, LSSU591, LSSU592 and LSSU593. Due to accreditation requirements [TPB and ASIC(FASEA)], students must sit an independent invigilated assessment/supervised examination.

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Lisa Ward
Lisa WardLecturer - Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law; School of Law

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a knowledge of the sources of law; the legal and political institutions; the process by which case law evolves; and how the principles of statutory interpretation are applied by the judiciary;
  2. use cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in demonstrating the application of principles of relevant case law and legislation to particular sets of facts;
  3. demonstrate an ability to employ the skills of legal research techniques to access cases, legislation, and the secondary sources relevant to a topic or a problem question; and
  4. produce clear and coherent written communications that are based upon analysis, synthesis, and the application of judgement, as well as reflection and evaluation of the relevant law.

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.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Case AnalysisYes15%All offerings

Case Analysis/Research Exercise

No. Words: 1000

Final Invigilated Examination - Assurance TaskYes60%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

Legal Problem QuestionYes25%All offerings

No. Words: 2000

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.

Connecting with Law

ISBN: 9780190333782

Sanson, M. and Anthony T., Oxford University Press 5th ed. 2022

Note: Also available in eBook version (ISBN: 9780190333799). There is also a rentable e-book alternative (ISNB: 9780190333805). The above details refer to a hardcopy textbook. Students are permitted to purchase the e-text version of the textbook if it is available. If this unit has an open-book online examination and the exam instructions allow you to refer to the hardcopy textbook, you will also be permitted to refer to the e-text version during the online supervised exam. The e-text can be used only if it is on the same device upon which you are sitting your exam. The use of a separate device is not permitted for accessing e-texts

Text refers to: All offerings

Studies in Law

ISBN: 9780455246154

Gordon, D., Thomas Reuters 3rd ed. 2021

Note: Also available in eBook version (ISBN: 9780455246161) The above details refer to a hardcopy textbook. Students are permitted to purchase the e-text version of the textbook if it is available. If this unit has an open-book online examination and the exam instructions allow you to refer to the hardcopy textbook, you will also be permitted to refer to the e-text version during the online supervised exam. The e-text can be used only if it is on the same device upon which you are sitting your exam. The use of a separate device is not permitted for accessing e-texts

Text refers to: All offerings

Excellence in experience, equity and employability

2026 Overall Experience

Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.

Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
2026 Social Equality

Five Stars for
Social Equity

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.

Good Universities Guide 2026
2026 Graduate Employment

Five Stars for
Graduate Employment

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.

Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
2026 Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.

ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

Stay connected

Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.

  • Course updates and important changes as they happen
  • Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
  • Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
  • Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire

Ready to stay in the loop?

GET IN TOUCHUniversity campus with students on a sunny day, historic brick building and green lawn

Why study with us?

Graduate Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.

Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

What happens next?

laptop icon
1. Decide on your course

Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.

pencil icon
2. Apply

2027 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

form icon
3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.