Unit Catalogue

Back to Unit Search

LWA113 - Customary Law

2025

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Law

Credit Points

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Incompatible

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

This unit will focus on the existence, nature and purposes of customary law in various contexts, the sources and purposes of authority in customary law and how those authorities intersect with other legal and non-legal authorities. A major part of the unit will consider Australian Aboriginal customary law. This unit will include a comparative transnational and/or international element, where appropriate.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Identify, discuss and analyse the major themes and foundational concepts in customary law.
2.	Analyse and evaluate the structure and features of authority in customary law.
3.	Critically evaluate and analyse customary law of different jurisdictions.
4.	Apply legal problem solving skills, by using principles and case law in providing advice on customary law in hypothetical problem and actual case law situations.
5.	Communicate in ways that are persuasive and effective for legal and non-legal audiences, in written and oral form, on the topic of customary law.
6.	Engage with First Nations Peoples and issues in a culturally responsive way.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Blog post (up to 250 words)	5%	6
2.	Research Assignment (2,250 words)	45%	1 - Identify, discuss and analyse the major themes and foundational concepts in customary law. 4 - Apply legal problem solving skills, by using principles and case law in providing advice on customary law in hypothetical problem and actual case law situations. 5 - Communicate in ways that are persuasive and effective for legal and non-legal audiences, in written and oral form, on the topic of customary law. 6 - Engage with First Nations Peoples and issues in a culturally responsive way.
3.	Research Assignment (2,500 words) (hurdle)	50%	1 - Identify, discuss and analyse the major themes and foundational concepts in customary law. 2 - Analyse and evaluate the structure and features of authority in customary law. 3 - Critically evaluate and analyse customary law of different jurisdictions. 4 - Apply legal problem solving skills, by using principles and case law in providing advice on customary law in hypothetical problem and actual case law situations. 5 - Communicate in ways that are persuasive and effective for legal and non-legal audiences, in written and oral form, on the topic of customary law. 6 - Engage with First Nations Peoples and issues in a culturally responsive way.

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2025	INT-4	External	External Studies	OLR

* Timetable will be displayed in new tab or window depending on your browser's configuration; ensure Pop-ups are allowed for this site to view the timetable.

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)