Examinable Curriculum

View the complete examinable curriculum for 01 Foundations of Law, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

This course will introduce students to the origins, history and present operation of the institutions which make up the Australian legal system. It will also introduce students to the sources of law, and to the Commonwealth and New South Wales Constitutions.  The subjects considered include:

• the distribution of legislative powers between the Commonwealth and the States;
• the executive powers of the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments, and the sources of those executive powers;
• the system of courts and tribunals operating at Commonwealth and New South Wales levels;
• the relationship between the various legal institutions;
• Western theories of law (jurisprudence)
• First Peoples (Nations) Law and Indigenous Australians & the Law
• the theory and practice of precedent;
• the rules of statutory interpretation;
• the legal profession; and
• our arbitration and alternative dispute resolution process. 

Subject Objectives 

At the completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to: 

• Demonstrate an understanding of the origins, history, concepts and principles that make up the Australian legal system and its institutions.
• Demonstrate a foundational understanding of the Commonwealth Constitution and a detailed understanding of the New South Wales Constitution.
• Explain the system of courts and tribunals operating at both Commonwealth and New South Wales levels.
• Demonstrate a foundational understanding of Indigenous legal systems before colonisation and the impact of Anglo-Australian law on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Find, interpret, analyse, synthesise and apply common law and legislation to solve problems using the principles of legal reasoning and statutory interpretation.
• Explain the theory and practice of precedent.
• Identify the main jurisprudential theories of the Western legal tradition.
• Demonstrate foundational legal research, referencing, and citation skills.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 02 Criminal Law and Procedure, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

This course provides the student with an understanding of the general principles of criminal law, together with a detailed knowledge of the application of these principles in respect of major crimes.  It also considers aspects of pre-trial criminal procedure, including police powers of arrest, search, seizure and interrogation.

Subject Objectives 

At the completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:     

• Explain aspects of pre-trial criminal procedure and the competing public policy considerations of crime control and individual liberty.
• Understand the general principles of criminal responsibility through the detailed study of major crimes and defences, and principles of criminal liability.
• Develop and apply skills of critical appraisal of social institutions and community values and expectations in relation to criminal behaviour.
• Analyse the ways in which power structures in society are reproduced by the criminal law and criminal justice system.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 03 Torts, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

A tort is a civil wrong for which the law provides a remedy, usually in the form of an action for damage. The law of torts covers a wide range of interests, including bodily integrity, interests in land and personal property and economic interests more generally.

The aim of this subject is to develop an understanding of the function and scope of the tort law and its governing principles. The major areas covered in this subject are: trespass to the person; trespass to land and private nuisance; negligence; and vicarious liability, concurrent liability and proportionate liability.

Subject Objectives 

At the completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the law of torts in its social and historical context, including the theories and policies underpinning the operation of tort law.
• Apply skills in analysing cases and interpreting statutes relating to tort law.
• Appraise hypothetical situations to identify legal issues and apply relevant law.
• Demonstrate written communication skills by writing in a well-structured, persuasive, and logical manner, using plain, concise language.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 04 Contracts, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

A contract is a promise enforceable by law. The principles relevant to the identification and formation of contracts and the remedies available for their breaches apply to all types of contracts, whether they are for example a simple consumer sale of goods to large multi-party joint ventures.

The aim of the subject is to develop an understanding of the basic principles of contract law, primarily from a doctrinal perspective. The subject covers the elements of formation of contract, contractual capacity, privity of contract, identification of the terms of a contract, matters affecting consent to a contract, discharge of contract and remedies.

Subject Objectives 

At the completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to: 

• Describe the basic principles of contract law.
• Select contract law principles applicable to a given set of facts.
• Apply key principles of contract law to factual scenarios.
• Draw conclusions regarding the likely outcome of applying contract law principles to problems.
• Reflect on the application of contract law principles to real world situations

View the complete examinable curriculum for 05 Real Property, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

Real Property is concerned with the law relating to interests in land.  Such interests are binding not only between those who have entered into a contractual relationship; they can also be binding between others.  Examples include the mortgagor/mortgagee and landlord/tenant relationships and also the operation of easements and restrictive covenants between persons who own neighbouring blocks of land. 

A major part of the course is devoted to priorities between competing interests in land.  It is possible for a number of persons to have such competing interests.  Common law rules and equitable principles are considered.  The operation of statutes such as the Real Property Act is seen to be fundamental. 

Subject Objectives 

At the completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:  

• Describe the basic principles of contract law.
• Select contract law principles applicable to a given set of facts.
• Apply key principles of contract law to factual scenarios.
• Draw conclusions regarding the likely outcome of applying contract law principles to problems.
• Reflect on the application of contract law principles to real world situations.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 06 Australian Constitutional Law, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the Commonwealth Constitution, its structure and its operation. The course examines fundamental aspects of Australian constitutional law, such as the legislative, executive and judicial power of the Commonwealth; the federal structure of the Australian polity and its constitutional basis; and the legal relationship between the Commonwealth, States and Territories.

Subject Objectives 

At completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the Australian constitutional order.
• Apply principles of interpretive method and characterisation to particular circumstances and hypothetical scenarios. 
• Identify and articulate the Australian government's legislative powers, as well as the explicit and implied limitations to that authority; this includes familiarity with judicial and executive authority as well as the federal relationship between the Commonwealth and states and territories.
• Appreciate the federal courts' authority and role in the review of the constitutional validity of the Commonwealth's exercise of power. 

View the complete examinable curriculum for 07 Equity, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

Equity, which includes the law of trusts, considers the historical origins and development of the equitable jurisdiction, equitable doctrines, and the nature and creation of trusts. Specific topics to be covered are: the history of equity; the nature of equity; the relationship between law and equity; the nature of equitable estates and interests; the law of assignment; confidential information, fiduciary obligations, the law of trusts; the remedies of declarations, specific performance, injunctions, freezing and search orders; account of profits, receivers and delivery up; and the equitable defences of illegality, unclean hands, hardship, laches, acquiescence, the application of statute of limitations legislation, equitable set-off, and waiver.

The emphasis in the course will be on developing an understanding of the principles of equity and their practical application. In this respect, cases will be discussed and studied, primarily as examples of the application of principle and as a means of understanding particular principles, rather than, as an end in themselves. Students are expected to identify and grasp the equitable issues arising in a given set of facts and, also, how a court exercising an equitable jurisdiction would deal with those issues in applying the principles discussed in the course to grant or refuse relief.

Subject Objectives 

At completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Describe the key principles of equity and trusts law.
• Select equitable principles applicable to a given set of facts.
• Apply key principles of equity and trusts to factual scenarios.
• Draw conclusions regarding the likely outcome of applying equitable principles to problems.
• Compare and contrast the common law and equity in Australia.
• Reflect on the application of equitable principles to real world situations.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 08 Commercial Transactions, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

This subject introduces students to the fundamental laws that govern commercial transactions in Australia.  The course requires students to develop a strong understanding of the law of personal property, including the characteristics of different types of personal property, how personal property is acquired and transferred, how the risk of loss of, or damage to personal property is allocated among those who have an interest in it, the obligations imposed on sellers and buyers and how those obligations vary as between domestic and commercial goods, the basic principles of insurance law, and how security interests are created and lost in personal property.   

There is a strong practical component to this course and problem questions will require students to apply concepts learnt in this subject as well as previous subjects, including the law of contract, torts, and real property.

Subject Objectives 

At completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of personal property and common forms of dealing with personal property;
•  Apply relevant legislation, in particular the Sale of Goods Act 1923 (NSW), the Australian Consumer Law and the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth), to different types of common commercial transactions involving personal property.
• Develop a logical and justifiable argument as to the availability of common law or statutory actions arising from factual problems involving different dealings with personal property;
• Critically analyse the availability of common law and legislative remedies to a party in a disputed commercial transaction.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 09 Administrative Law, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

Administrative law is a branch of public law that is concerned with the legal control of decisions and actions of governmental agencies and officials, and those of non-governmental bodies which affect the public.

In Australia today, governmental and non-governmental regulation - at federal, state and local government levels - impinges on most areas of life.  Notable examples include social security, education, immigration, broadcasting and television, public sector employment, industry and commerce, exploration and mining, ownership and use of property, occupational licensing, town planning and the environment.

The emphasis of the course is on the principles and procedures of administrative law relating to the review of such governmental and non-governmental administrative action.

At state and local government levels, these principles and procedures are to be found mainly in the common law of judicial review.  This includes the grounds of judicial review – including denial of procedural fairness and error of law - and the judicial remedies - prohibition, certiorari, mandamus, injunction and declaration.  Administrative review is by the Ombudsman and the Administrative Decisions Tribunal.  Freedom of information legislation has also been enacted.

At federal level, a comprehensive system of review is provided by both statute.  This involves judicial review by the Federal Court of Australia and administrative review by the Commonwealth Ombudsman and the Administrative Review Tribunal.  Freedom of information legislation has also been enacted.

Subject Objectives 

At completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Identify and describe the relevant principles and procedures of administrative law relating to the review of governmental and non-governmental administrative action.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the detailed framework of legislation supporting administrative law at State and Federal levels.
• Critically analyse administrative grounds of judicial review and judicial remedies.
• Apply the principles and procedures of administrative law in practical situations.
• Express, in clear and concise language, well-structured and logical arguments with particular reference to how the principles and procedures of administrative law apply to, or operate with, legislation.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 10 Law of Associations, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

Law of Associations is a unit that describes some of the laws which regulate associations of individuals.  People often choose to group together in a regimented structure in order to conduct their activities.  The rationale behind the choice of the particular type of grouping will vary depending on temporal needs. Some of the reasons behind this choice include taxation advantages, the desire to limit liability, control, and the need to generate capital externally.

This course aims to introduce students to various types of associations which are the end result of the choice being made. In particular, an introduction will be given to associations formed for profit-making purposes as well as those formed not-for-profit. To this end, coverage is given to unincorporated and incorporated non-profit associations, partnerships and companies. 

The course involves a critical analysis of decided cases and appropriate State and Federal legislation.  It also includes extensive reference to current developments (including law reform proposals) in both corporate practice and academic journals. Knowledge of the problems associated with the current law is expected as is an appreciation of attempts to remedy shortcomings.

Subject Objectives 

At the completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Explain the factors influencing the choice of business structure, including taxation advantages, external administration, legal personality, the desire to limit liability, control, and the need to generate capital externally.
• Describe various types of associations resulting from these choices, including those formed for profit-making and not-for-profit purposes.
• Demonstrate an integrated understanding of the fundamental and underlying rules, principles, concepts, and practices of corporate law applicable in the Australian regulatory context.
• Critically analyse decided cases and relevant State and Commonwealth legislation.
• Appraise questions involving the law of associations and apply relevant legal principles in answering those questions.
• Evaluate current developments in corporate practice and academic journals including critiquing problems associated with current law and appreciating attempts to remedy shortcomings.
• Express, in clear and concise language, well-structured and logical arguments utilising course materials.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 11 Evidence, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

The course concerns an examination of the rules governing the presentation and use of evidence in hearings, both civil and criminal.

The jurisdictions of NSW and Commonwealth (and others) have each adopted the "Uniform Evidence Law", being an Act that is largely the same, but enacted independently in each jurisdiction.  This course focuses on the Evidence Act 1995 (NSW), and the case law relating to it.

Subject Objectives

At completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Examine and apply the rules governing the presentation and use of evidence in hearings, both civil and criminal.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the Evidence Act 1995 (NSW) and the broader framework of the “Uniform Evidence Law” in which it sits.
• Consider:
  • The manner and form in which evidence can be presented to the court.
  • The key rules of admissibility and the matters which are susceptible of proof.
  • The tests to be applied in determining whether sufficient evidence has been introduced.
• Critically analyse the ongoing debates which impact this area of the law.
• Demonstrate skills in answering problems, case notes, and essay questions.
• Think critically and form and express their own views on the subject matter of the course.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 12 Taxation and Revenue Law, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

This course provides an overview of the Income Tax Assessment Act and related legislation.

General principles concerning the assessability and deductibility of different types of receipts and items of expenditure are considered, along with more recent developments in relation to the tax treatment of fringe benefits and capital gains.

The differing tax consequences in respect of various legal entities, such as partnerships, trusts and companies, are also considered.

The last part of the course deals with the collection and recovery of tax, and the procedures to be followed by a taxpayer in disputing a tax assessment with the Commissioner of Taxation. 

This course proceeds through a study of the legislation and decided cases, and the consideration of hypothetical factual situations that would commonly be encountered in practice. 

Subject Objectives

At the completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to: 

• Demonstrate an understanding of the Australian taxation system, its underlying principles, and fundamental policy and ethical issues relating to taxation.
• Identify tax consequences and issues arising from transactions.
• Apply the legal and ethical principles of the legislation and case authorities to hypothetical cases.
• Critically analyse the ongoing debates which impact this area of the law.
• Demonstrate skills in answering problems, case notes, and essay questions.
• Think critically and form and express their own views on the subject matter of the course.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 13 Succession, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

The law of Succession is concerned with the law of wills and the administration of deceased estates.  The applicable principles vary depending upon whether the deceased dies with or without a will and, in either case, the distribution of the estate may be affected by a claim for family provision brought under Chapter 3 of the Succession Act.

Subject Objectives

At the end of this subject students-at-law should be able to:

• Understand and apply the relevant statutory principles and case authorities concerning the distribution of deceased estates on intestacy and on the basis of the law of wills.
• Understand and apply the law of wills and the ways in which wills may be challenged, together with an overview of litigation that takes place, generally, with respect to deceased estates.
• Understand the ways in which skilled drafting may prevent challenges to wills.
• Understand and apply the law of family provision as it is used in NSW and critically consider how to draft wills to reduce the likelihood of challenge.
• Critically consider the Australian law of succession and how it interacts with multiculturalism and Indigenous people’s needs.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 14 Conveyancing, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

The overriding objective of the Conveyancing course is to provide students with knowledge of conveyancing practice and procedure. Detailed analysis of the current edition of the joint copyright Contract for Sale and Purchase of Land is undertaken

The course undertakes a detailed but practical analysis of the current edition of the Contract for Sale and Purchase of Land and also refers to relevant case law to assist students in understanding how many of the provisions within the standard Contract for Sale of and Purchase of Land arose and evolved.

Subject Objectives

At the completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of Conveyancing Practice and Procedure.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the provisions of the NSW Contract for Sale and Purchase of Land.
• Identify applicable legislation.
• Identify and apply leading case law which has shaped the NSW Contract for Sale and Purchase of Land.
• Identify practical issues and pitfalls in conveyancing.
• Demonstrate an understanding of various legal issues in contract law, equity and planning law.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 15 Practice and Procedure, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

The subject of Practice and Procedure deals with the day-to-day practicalities of civil litigation in New South Wales.

There will be considerable emphasis on the more significant Practice Notes when looking at the step by step procedure, as outlined in the Civil Procedure Act 2005 and the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005.

The emphasis throughout the subject, is on conducting matters through the Supreme Court of New South Wales.  However, since the introduction of the Civil Procedure Act 2005 and the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005, the procedures described (with some exceptions), will be uniform throughout the Supreme Court, District and Local Courts of New South Wales.

Subject Objectives

At the completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the day-to-day practicalities of civil litigation in New South Wales.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify and apply the  principles of civil procedure, as derived from the  Practice Notes of the Supreme Court of New South  Wales, the Civil Procedure Act 2005 (NSW), and the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW).
• Demonstrate an understating of:
  • the logistics of commencing an action in the Supreme Court;
  • the various interlocutory steps between the commencement of an action and the hearing stage, including discovery and inspection and the issuing of subpoenas;
  • evidence in relation to procedural matters;
  • the logistics of “running” a matter, including enforcement of the judgment;
  • enforcement of any judgment or order of the court;
  • appeals; 
  • elementary drafting principles, including practical drafting of documents; and
  • mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 16 Insolvency, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

The course deals with personal insolvency (bankruptcy) and corporate insolvency (covering both liquidation and non-liquidation arrangements). Insolvency law aims to recover funds for unsecured creditors, protect the insolvent during the course of administration and enquire into the circumstances of the insolvency.

The personal insolvency lectures include the following topics of solvency; acts of bankruptcy; bankruptcy notices; creditor’s petitions; the effects of bankruptcy; the doctrine of relation back; exempt transactions; transactions void against the trustee; termination of bankruptcy; and voluntary personal insolvency.

The corporate insolvency component of this course deals with both liquidation and non-liquidation arrangements that have been brought about in consequence of company insolvency.

In relation to liquidation arrangements, particular emphasis will be placed upon: the distinction between voluntary and compulsory winding up; the grounds upon which a company can be wound up; procedure to obtain a winding up order including the use of statutory demands; provisional liquidation; the effects of winding up; liquidator’s powers and duties and the administration of the winding up; assets available to the liquidator; voidable transactions; and insolvent trading actions.

In relation to corporate insolvency resulting in non-liquidation arrangements being entered into, emphasis will be placed on receivership, voluntary administration, and deeds of company arrangement.

Subject Objectives

At the completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Identify issues related to insolvency law.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the relevant insolvency law.
• Apply the law to factual scenarios.
• Organise and express clear, accurate, plain English written advice to a lay client on insolvency matters.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 17 Legal Ethics, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

Legal Ethics has been designed to avoid a philosophical and purely academic approach to the recognition of the demands and standards imposed upon or expected of practitioners. Therefore, as well as stressing the fundamental duties and obligations, the apparent conflicts and their resolution, time is also spent in considering the disciplinary apparatus and functions.

The course has limited opportunity to consider hypothetical examples but these are considered important, so as to bring home the point that, in practice, grave problems often arise without warning.

Subject Objectives

At the completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Recognise the demands and standards imposed upon or expected of legal practitioners.
• Understand the fundamental duties and obligations of legal practitioners.
• Identify apparent conflicts and resolve them effectively.
• Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the statutes, common law, and rules and regulations governing professional practice as a barrister or solicitor
• Recognise potential problems, identify available help, and understand the consequences of ethical breaches.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 18 Conflict of Laws, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

Conflict of laws (private international law) is the part of Australian law concerned with questions of a private law nature (tort, contract, property and so on) which contain a foreign element.  A legal question will contain a foreign element if a fact or party has a relevant connection with a foreign legal system (a foreign country in the conflict of laws sense).  For example, conflict of laws issues may arise if proceedings are contemplated in New South Wales in respect of a tort committed in Singapore or against a defendant resident in Norway or to recover damages for breach of a contract governed by the law of California.

In seeking to develop an understanding of the transborder dimension of private law and an appreciation of the fact that questions which arise in legal practice are not necessarily confined within a single legal system, the subject includes detailed consideration of jurisdiction (including discretionary non-exercise of jurisdiction), choice of law in contract, choice of law in tort and choice of law in property (with particular emphasis on governmental seizure of property (expropriation)).  The subject also includes detailed consideration of the distinction between substance and procedure, proof of foreign law and the exclusionary doctrines such as forum public policy which may indicate that, in particular circumstances, an Australian court should reject foreign law.

Subject Objectives

At completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Demonstrate an acquisition of knowledge and understanding of conflict of laws.
• Apply professional skill in the analysis of primary materials (decided cases and statutes).
• Appraise questions involving conflict of laws and apply relevant legal principles in answering those questions.
• Express, in clear and concise language, well-structured and logical arguments with particular reference to conflict of laws.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 19 Family Law, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

This course is designed to provide students with a general yet comprehensive introduction to family law in Australia.  The course covers the historic and current development of family law and issues of jurisdiction, marriage and de facto relationships, principal relief (nullity, divorce, and declaration of validity), dispute resolution in family law, violence in family law, parental responsibilities, property settlements, spousal maintenance and child support, and injunctions.

In addition to the statutory and general law principles, emphasis is given to the practical and social policy issues in each of these areas, including the impact of family violence and the growing awareness of children's rights.

Subject Objectives

At the completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Demonstrate an acquisition of knowledge and understanding of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), other related family law statutes and cases, and its application by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
• Analyse hypothetical questions involving family law and apply relevant legal principles in answering those questions.
• Express, in clear and concise language, well-structured and logical arguments with particular reference to family law.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 20 Planning and Environmental Law, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

Planning and Environmental Law course encompasses one of the fastest growing areas of NSW law and practice and addresses the operation and effects of the various changes which are of vital importance to lawyers who specialise, or are developing specialisation, in the field of local government, environmental and planning law.  It also covers alternate dispute resolution in those fields. The course examines the bodies of law which regulate the establishment, status, powers, operation and accountability of local and state government and the environmental and planning laws which regulate the use of land, the subdivision of land, the erection of buildings, the carrying out of works, and the demolition of buildings or works.

The law regulating planning and the environment is dynamic and at times quite contentious. It involves consideration of both NSW Government controls as well as the requirements of individual Councils.

Planning and environmental laws are important in determining: what development can happen in an area (from houses to mines) and who gets a say; how suburbs, towns and cities are planned (transport, shops, offices, parks, schools); how our communities manage growth and change, and balance needs and interests; and how developers and governments have to consider and protect the environment.

Subject Objectives

At completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Demonstrate an acquisition of knowledge and understanding of planning and environmental laws.
• Apply professional skill in the analysis of primary materials (decided cases and statutes).
• Analyse hypothetical questions involving land use, development approvals, environmental impact assessments, and compliance with environmental standards and apply relevant legal principles in answering those questions.
• Demonstrate, in clear and concise language, well-structured and logical arguments with particular reference to planning and environmental law.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 21 Industrial Law, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

Industrial law, or the law of employment, is the body of law that regulates the relationship between employers and employees, employers and trade unions, and trade unions and employees.

The Industrial Law course is a general introduction to industrial law, seeking to introduce students to the minimum entitlements of employees and the system of collective bargaining which operates in Australia, and the common law contract of employment.  The course will also introduce students to the law (both common law and statute) relating to industrial disputes and industrial action.

These course proceeds by an analysis of decisions of the relevant courts and tribunals, and statutory provisions.  Students will also be expected to consult the academic literature referred to in the course outline.

Subject Objectives

At the completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the legal rules, principles, and institutions that form Australia’s system of workplace relations.
• Apply primary materials (decided cases and statutes) relating to workplace relations.
• Analyse hypothetical questions involving workplace relations and apply relevant legal principles in answering those questions.
• Express, in clear and concise language, well-structured and logical arguments with particular reference to the legal responsibilities of employers and employees in the workplace.
• Evaluate the role and effectiveness of legal regulation in managing work relationships.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 22 Intellectual Property, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

The law of intellectual property includes the areas of copyright, designs, patents, confidential information, passing off and trademarks.

This course provides a general introduction to intellectual property, outlining for each principal category of protection: how rights arise; the nature of the rights; ownership and exploitation of rights; and infringement and remedies.

Throughout the course, key policy issues are considered including: the rationale and role of intellectual property law; the rationale and role of intellectual property law; the overlap between areas of protection; the growing importance of Australia’s obligations under international treaties; and the interaction of intellectual property law with other areas such as trade practices law.

Subject Objectives

At the completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for major forms of intellectual property protection, including copyright, designs, patents, and trademarks.
• Apply primary materials (decided cases and statutes) relating to intellectual property law.
• Analyse hypothetical questions involving intellectual property law and apply relevant legal principles in answering those questions.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the historical, economic, policy, cultural, and technological contexts and roles of intellectual property.

Subject Objectives

View the complete examinable curriculum for 23 Public International Law, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

Public international law is the regime of legal rules primarily concerned with the regulation of relations between sovereign states.  In seeking to develop an understanding of the theory and operation of rules of public international law, this subject addresses the sources of public international law, the relationship between public international law and municipal law, state jurisdiction, immunity from jurisdiction and the principles which govern state responsibility for internationally wrongful acts.

Subject Objectives

At completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Demonstrate an acquisition of knowledge and understanding of public international law.
• Apply professional skill in the analysis of primary materials (decided cases, statutes and treaties).
• Appraise questions involving public international law and apply relevant legal principles in answering those questions.
• Express, in clear and concise language, well-structured and logical arguments with particular reference to public international law.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 24 Jurisprudence, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

This course in jurisprudence will apply the concepts and techniques of philosophical analysis to an examination of the nature of law, issues surrounding legal reasoning, and the relationship between law, morals and theories of justice.  

The course will examine some of the most important theories of jurisprudence, and trace their historical development.

The course will consider the debate about the separation between law and morals, and arguments for and against natural law.  

The course seeks not only to introduce students to modern legal philosophy, but to demonstrate how that study gives insights into the nature and function of law important to the practice of law.

Subject Objectives

At the completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of theories of jurisprudence as developed by influential thinkers.
• Describe and critically evaluate major jurisprudential approaches.
• Apply and evaluate jurisprudential concepts and techniques to issues surrounding legal reasoning and methods, including in specific areas of law.
• Express, in clear and concise language, well-structured and logical arguments with reference to issues and theories of jurisprudence.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 25 Competition and Consumer Law , including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

This subject provides a comprehensive examination of the economic and legal principles of competition law and consumer law in Australia (also known as trade practices law).

It examines Part IV of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) (CCA) (formerly the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth)(TPA)) and Schedule 2 of the CCA (which is the Australian Consumer Law (ACL)), the decisions of the courts in interpreting the CCA and ACL. Current issues and recent cases on competition and consumer laws and policies in Australia are also examined.

The subject covers the economic functioning of markets; the relationship between the competition and consumer laws (including both statute law and common law) and economics; the evolution and objectives of Australian competition law and consumer law; and the administration and enforcement of competition law and consumer law, both nationally and internationally.

This subject includes two parts. Part I focuses on consumer law. It covers the policy objective of consumer law; general prohibitions in Schedule 2 of the CCA, such as misleading or deceptive conduct, unconscionable conduct, and unfair contract terms; as well as enforcement issues.

Part II focuses on competition law. It covers the evolution of competition law; the legislative feature of the Australian competition law; major anti-competitive conduct in Part IV of the CCA, such as monopolistic agreements, misuse of market power, mergers/acquisitions; and enforcement issues in Australia, remedies and other related matters.

Subject Objectives

At completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to: 

• Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of Australian legal doctrine governing competition regulation and consumer protection. 
• Apply relevant legal doctrine in the analysis of hypothetical scenarios involving competition law and consumer protection. 

View the complete examinable curriculum for 26 Advanced Statutory Interpretation, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

Advanced Statutory Interpretation focuses on the core skill of statutory interpretation and allows students to develop and build their understanding of how to interpret legislation and apply legal research skills in this context.

The subject includes computer-based classes in which students will:

• learn how to find and use extrinsic materials;
• research the changing history of legislation and why this is important in statutory interpretation; and
• learn how to use research tools to locate words, phrases and sections which have been the subject of judicial consideration.

The subject also will examine the common law and statutory principles of interpretation and the broader context of statutory interpretation, including the relationship between statutory interpretation and the protection of human rights.

Subject Objectives

At completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Demonstrate an acquisition of knowledge and understanding of statutory interpretation.
• Appraise questions involving statutory interpretation and apply professional skill and relevant legal principles in answering those questions.
• Express, in clear and concise language, well-structured and logical arguments with particular reference to statutory interpretation.

View the complete examinable curriculum for 27 Health Law, including all prescribed topics, here.

Subject Description

This subject introduces students to interrelationships between health care, ethics, and the law. In particular students will explore the moral bases of law and the means by which law influences healthcare norms, clinical practice, and health policy. Students are shown how to engage in bioethical approaches and relate those approaches to the interactions between law and healthcare. Students will then examine a number of areas of law that have particular significance for bioethics including the consent, tort law, competence, substitute decision-making, advance care planning, maternal-foetal conflicts, abortion, reproduction, end-of-life-decision-making, tissue regulation and infectious disease control.

Subject Objectives

At completion of this subject, a student-at-law should be able to:

• Demonstrate an acquisition of knowledge and understanding of health law.
• Apply professional skill in the analysis of primary materials (decided cases, statutes and treaties).
• Appraise questions involving health law and apply relevant legal principles in answering those questions.
• Express, in clear and concise language, well-structured and logical arguments with particular reference to health law.