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LWA110 - Legal History and Jurisprudence

2025

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Law

Credit Points

Equivalent Units

(LWB205)

Prerequisites

Incompatible

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

This unit will examine the principal features of the legal system originally developed in the English speaking world reviewed by reference to the origin and purpose of the main institutions, the evolution and significance of some of the central doctrines and consideration of the work and contribution of some of the notable foundation participants. The study of the unit is given contemporary relevance by a process of reviewing the link between the past institutions, principles and mechanisms of our early justice system with those of the modern legal systems and by a contrast with the institutions, values and procedures of a selection of other non-English speaking and jurisdictions.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Identify, discuss and analyse important themes and foundational concepts in Legal History and principles and mechanisms of English and Australian legal systems.
2.	Identify, describe and critically analyse the origin of some of the main principles or doctrines of the Australian legal system and evaluate their relevance to the contemporary justice system.
3.	Critically evaluate some of the key constitutional, economic and political events in legal history by reference to their social and historical impact.
4.	Examine the English and Australian legal systems by considering theoretical conceptions of those systems, both historically and in a contemporary context.
5.	Communicate effectively regarding legal history, in written and oral form, in ways that are instructive and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Submit and peer review a draft (300-500 word draft plus comments)	10%	1,2,3,4
2.	Literature review (2,000 words)	40%	1 - Identify, discuss and analyse important themes and foundational concepts in Legal History and principles and mechanisms of English and Australian legal systems. 4 - Examine the English and Australian legal systems by considering theoretical conceptions of those systems, both historically and in a contemporary context. 5 - Communicate effectively regarding legal history, in written and oral form, in ways that are instructive and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences.
3.	Research assignment (2,500 words)	50%	1 - Identify, discuss and analyse important themes and foundational concepts in Legal History and principles and mechanisms of English and Australian legal systems. 2 - Identify, describe and critically analyse the origin of some of the main principles or doctrines of the Australian legal system and evaluate their relevance to the contemporary justice system. 3 - Critically evaluate some of the key constitutional, economic and political events in legal history by reference to their social and historical impact. 4 - Examine the English and Australian legal systems by considering theoretical conceptions of those systems, both historically and in a contemporary context. 5 - Communicate effectively regarding legal history, in written and oral form, in ways that are instructive and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences.

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2025	Semester 2	Internal	Danala - Education and Community Precinct	OLR
2025	Semester 2	External	External Studies	OLR

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OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2024 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)