Key facts
UNE unit code: LLM533
*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 unit provides you with a comprehensive insight into the key features of Australia’s legal system. You will explore Australia’s legislative, executive and judicial branches of government, federalism, the Australian legal profession and selected principles of Australian public and private law.
You will also develop your practical legal skills in reading case law, interpreting statues, answering legal problems and researching and citing the law.
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
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 a broad, coherent and thorough understanding of the nature and scope of Australia's legal and political institutions; and the sources of law; and the relationship between case law and statute law;
- use autonomy to demonstrate a well-developed ability to read and analyse cases, understand the process by which case law evolves; and be able to evaluate and prioritise their relevance to a hypothetical situation;
- use initiative and judgement to critically analyse, synthesise, and consolidate a persuasive and coherent legal argument that applies the principles of statutory interpretation and that communicates the role of the judiciary in interpreting legislation; and
- demonstrate an ability to access both domestic and international databases, employing the skills of legal research techniques to critically analyse and evaluate information, and coherently communicate independent exposition of complex legal issues and situations.
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: 3000 |
| Legal Brief | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Case brief, legislative summary and statutory interpretation 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.
Laying Down the Law
ISBN: 9780409357585
Hamer, D., Jones, J., O'Mara, P., Smith, B. and Taylor, T., LexisNexis 12th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Concise Australian Legal Dictionary
ISBN: 9780409358186
Finkelstein, R. and Hamer, D., LexisNexis 7th ed. 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
Essential Legal Skills: A Guide for First Year Law Students
ISBN: 9780455249063
Kontra, S., Thomson Reuters 2nd ed. 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
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