Key facts
UNE unit code: LSU100
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
An understanding of how the legal system works is a valuable skill for students pursuing a wide range of career outcomes. This unit is suited to non-law students and provides a comprehensive introduction to legal studies, starting you on the path to achieving an understanding of how legal systems operate in Australia and elsewhere.
You will explore the ways in which the law is made, and how law applies in various contemporary contexts. As part of your study, you will also develop introductory level skills in legal research, writing and analysis.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| 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, other than Law 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:
- demonstrate understanding of the structure of the Australian and international legal systems, and the roles of law-making institutions such as parliaments and higher courts, and compare those roles across common law, civil law and hybrid systems;
- demonstrate introductory understanding of the role of the legal profession;
- develop and demonstrate introductory understanding of the doctrine of precedent and the principles of statutory interpretation, and then apply that understanding to case law and legislation in the context of legal problems to demonstrate introductory level legal analysis skills;
- develop and demonstrate introductory level legal research skills to locate relevant primary and secondary legal sources;
- engage with the learning management system to develop and demonstrate legal study skills and time management skills; and
- develop and demonstrate legal writing skills using appropriate professional language, a logically ordered structure and with appropriate referencing.
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 | No. Words: 2000
|
| Final Invigilated Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Open Book Examination. 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. |
| Quiz | No | 20% | All offerings | One Quiz with multiple choice questions |
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.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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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
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