INTRODUCTION TO THE AUSTRALIAN LEGAL SYSTEM
LCR1ALS
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject is designed to introduce students to the Australian legal system; the main legal institutions and sources of law that operate in Australia, including the judiciary and courts, the legal profession, law enforcement agencies and other legal actors. It will examine how laws are created, interpreted and enforced, with a particular focus on the criminal justice system. It will equip students with the foundational knowledge necessary to understand and examine the operation of the criminal justice system in practice, including an appreciation of the role of alternative approaches informed by theories of therapeutic and restorative justice.
School: La Trobe Law School
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Tom Andrews
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 1 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: LAW1LIM
Equivalent subjects: LAW1LIM
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | A variety of readings on specific topics will be made available through the subject LMS | Recommended | various | Various |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Describe the structure of the Australian legal system
- Activities:
- Lectures, readings and tutorial activities
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
02. Explain the roles and functions of Australian legal institutions and actors
- Activities:
- Lectures and readings
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
03. Demonstrate an understanding of the process by which law is created, interpreted and applied, and how the rule of law is sustained through that process.
- Activities:
- Lectures, readings and tutorial activities
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
04. Examine and critique arguments for changes to the criminal justice process, including the application of theories of restorative and therapeutic justice
- Activities:
- Lectures, readings and tutorial activities
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
Bendigo, 2019, Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Tom Andrews
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
SeminarWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quizzes (750 words) | 20 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Essay (1000 words) | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Examination (2000 words) | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
Bendigo, 2019, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Tom Andrews
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
SeminarWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quizzes (750 words) | 20 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Essay (1000 words) | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Examination (2000 words) | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
Melbourne, 2019, Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Tom Andrews
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
SeminarWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quizzes (750 words) | 20 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Essay (1000 words) | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Examination (2000 words) | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
Melbourne, 2019, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Tom Andrews
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
SeminarWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quizzes (750 words) | 20 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Essay (1000 words) | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Examination (2000 words) | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |