Key facts
UNE unit code: LAW157
*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
Responding and successfully resolving disputes is a core skill for lawyers. Skills in dispute resolution add value to your role in a wide range of workplaces. This unit equips you with a thorough understanding of ADR processes both in criminal and civil matters such as arbitration, negotiation, conciliation and mediation. The unit also examines Australian Indigenous Peoples’ dispute resolution processes.
There are opportunities to critically analyse disputes and evaluate alternatives to litigation. You may build your capabilities in the art of effective listening and negotiating. These are fundamental bases of ADR. These skills are in high demand across many industries.
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 |
*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 an understanding of the differences between the adversarial legal system and a variety of ADR methods i.e., negotiation, mediation, conciliation and arbitration; the roles of those who participate in ADR; how approaches to private disputes differ from public disputes; and have an awareness of an Australian Indigenous Peoples perspective of ADR processes;
- use cognitive and creative skills to analyse the nature of disputes and evaluate the utility of ADR as an alternative to litigation for resolving disputes;
- demonstrate an ability to identify matters that are suitable for ADR; employ basic listening skills; and recognise the importance of using initiative and judgement in advising clients on how to participate in negotiation and mediation sessions to achieve interest-based goals; and
- demonstrate an ability to communicate advice regarding ADR methods with clarity and coherence.
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 | 30% | All offerings | Written Assessment No. Words: 2500 |
| 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. |
| Online Assessment | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Two 5% quizzes |
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.
Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Custom Publication for the School of Law, University of New England
ISBN: 9780409364248
Akon, P. and Burns, F., LexisNexis 3rd ed. 2026
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (Online)
Alternative Dispute Resolution
ISBN: 9780455248431
Sourdin, T., Thomson Reuters 7th ed. 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Custom Publication for the School of Law, University of New England
ISBN: 9780409354621
University of New England, LexisNexis 2nd ed. 2021
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)
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