Key facts
UNE unit code: LAW100
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
![UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/62891086779/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445517/e=never/k=556aef9a/fall-back_unit-image.jpg)
This introductory unit will help you to gain a foundation in contemporary legal knowledge, from how the legal system operates to how the law is made, and its role in our changing society.
You will learn how to find and interpret the principal sources of law as well as apply legal principles to solve problems. Additionally, you will develop your skills in planning, organising and communicating complex material.
Whether you are studying this unit as the first step towards a legal career or to broaden your general knowledge, this unit will help you to develop the knowledge and capabilities necessary to be a successful learner and valuable professional.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 1 | Online |
Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 2 | Online |
Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Legal Studies unit available to all students, subject to degree rules
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
![profile photo of Wellett Potter](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0010/454645/varieties/69x77.jpg)
![profile photo of Paul Sattler](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0004/31189/varieties/69x77.jpg)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- interpret the principal sources of law, including statutory law and judge-made law, customary law, how the doctrine of precedent operates and the principles of statutory interpretation;
- apply the basic methods of legal analysis; to analyse critically legal problems, including applying relevant case law and legislation to differing contexts and a particular sets of facts;
- demonstrate initiative and autonomy in legal research by locating primary and secondary legal resource material;
- plan, organise and communicate legal advice in writing; and
- demonstrate an informed understanding of the Australian constitutional framework and legal system.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assignment 1 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Written assessment No. Words: 1500 |
Open Book Examination | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Final Examination. Open Book Exam. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit
|
Quizzes | No | 10% | All offerings | 2 quizzes 5% each |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Laying Down the Law
ISBN: 9780409357585
Hamer, D., Jones, J., O'Mara, P., Smith, B and Taylor, T., LexisNexis Butterworths 12th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Concise Australian Legal Dictionary
ISBN: 9780409352917
Finkelstein, R. and Hamer, D., LexisNexis Butterworths 6th ed. 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
Essential Legal Skills: A Guide for First Year Law Students
ISBN: 9780455244600
Kontra, S., Thomson Reutuers 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024![Woman studying online at home](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0018/342720/studying-online-01.jpg)
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
![Graduate and mother Claire Haiek at work as a parenting producer at kidspot.com.au](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/63307469788/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445464/e=never/k=97363331/Claire-Haiek-3.jpg)
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.