This unit of study provides students with an understanding of the principles, structures, and processes that underpin the Australian legal system. The study examines the rule of law, the role of law-making bodies and legal institutions, the protection of rights in Australia, and the operation of the Victorian justice system.
Students will develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage meaningfully with the legal system. They gain insight into how the legal system promotes social cohesion.Students apply legal concepts and principles to both actual and hypothetical scenarios, enhancing their ability to research and analyse legal information. The unit fosters the development of legal reasoning, decision-making, and critical thinking skills, enabling students to construct well-founded arguments and evaluate legal issues in civil and criminal contexts.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Explain the main sources and types of law, and evaluate the effectiveness of laws, including its main institutions, doctrines and principles.
Describe the processes and procedures involved in law making and dispute resolution in the Australian legal system.
Examine the purposes and key concepts of criminal law and apply legal reasoning to case scenarios individually and collaboratively.
Analyse the purposes and key concepts of civil law and apply legal reasoning to case scenarios.
Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.
Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):