Key facts
UNE unit code: LAW480
*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
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
This is a capstone unit in the Bachelor of Laws (LLB). It is at the experiential end of the legal studies spectrum. This unit brings together the theory and practical skills you have developed throughout your legal studies. Specifically, it hones your legal research skills. It develops your ability to apply legal authority to specific issues and remedies. As well, it improves your capacity to argue persuasively. The unit has three modules:
- Module I builds your legal research skills to an advanced level.
- Module II sharpens your writing skills in communicating clearly, concisely and correctly in plain language.
- Module III requires you to prepare a written submission based on a legal problem. You must then present an oral submission (viva voce) as an advocate in the UNE Moot Court.
This unit seeks to impress upon you the importance of being an effective communicator both orally and in writing. The ability to present arguments clearly and concisely, backed by legal authority, are skills which need to be mastered if you are to succeed as a legal practitioner.
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
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 1 day | Non-Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, On Campus, Armidale Campus; Trimester 2, Online | Trimester 2: Intensive School held at UNE Sydney Campus. |
| TBA | TBA | 1 day | Non-Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 1, On Campus, Armidale Campus; Trimester 1, Online | Trimester 1: Intensive School held at UNE Sydney Campus. Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Each student must participate as an advocate in a Moot Court hearing. The Moot Court hearing is a viva voce (oral) examination which students must pass to pass the unit. Hearing dates, venues, practice, and procedures are set out in the study guide for the relevant trimester.
The unit is transitioning away from teaching remedies. In the future this subject matter will be removed from the unit.
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 use of legal, equitable, and statutory remedies;
- demonstrate advanced skills in finding parliamentary and delegated legislation relevant to a legal question, and extrinsic material relevant to that legislation;
- demonstrate a high level of proficiency in applying legislative provisions to legal questions;
- demonstrate a high level of proficiency in finding case law; this includes case law relevant to particular statutory provisions, and applying it to legal questions;
- demonstrate strong interpersonal skills in order to collaborate effectively with others in preparing and presenting written and oral submissions in a moot; and
- demonstrate overall enhanced skills in speaking and legal writing clearly, concisely, and correctly in plain language.
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 1 - Research | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Legal Research Assignment No. Words: 2500 |
| Assignment 2 - Legal Writing | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Legal Writing assignment No. Words: 1750
|
| Assignment 3 - Advocacy Moot - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Advocacy (Moot) . To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: 1750 (equivalent) |
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.
Modern Legal Drafting: A Guide to Using Clearer Language
ISBN: 9781107607675
Butt, P., Cambridge University Press 3rd ed. 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
A Practical Guide to Legal Research
ISBN: 9780455244518
Sanderson, J., Stamboukalis, E. and Kelly, K., Thomson Reuters 5th ed. 2021
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (On Campus, Armidale Campus), Trimester 1 (Online)
Plain Language for Lawyers
ISBN: 9781760024963
Asprey, M.M., The Federation Press 5th revised ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
A Practical Guide to Legal Research
ISBN: 9780455249698
Stamboulakis, D., Pearson, A., Mitchell, D. and Sanderson, J., Thomson Reuters 6th ed. 2026
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (On Campus, Armidale Campus), Trimester 2 (Online)
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Nemes and Coss' Effective Legal Research
ISBN: 9780409359787
Talbot-Stokes, R., LexisNexis 9th ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
Australasian Mooting Manual
ISBN: 9780409329162
Butler, J. and Gygar, T., LexisNexis Butterworths 2nd ed. 2012
Text refers to: All offerings
Legal Usage: A Modern Style Guide
ISBN: 9780409341461
Butt, P., LexisNexis Butterworths 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
Practical Legal Skills
ISBN: 9780190329839
Hyams, R., Campbell, S. and Evans, A., Oxford University Press 5th ed. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
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