Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

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Unit Overview

Description

This unit offers an introduction to the general principles of international and interstate conflict of laws and the legal issues which can arise in cases containing a foreign or interstate element. It deals with the jurisdiction of Australian courts; discretion in the exercise of jurisdiction; the cross-vesting legislation; introduction to theory and method in choice of law; choice of law in contract; tort and restitution; and the recognition and enforcement of foreign and interstate judgements.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify when a conflict of laws problem/issue is raised in a set of facts; (2) understand the principles which an Australian court will apply to decide if it has jurisdiction, and whether it will exercise that jurisdiction, over a matter and over the parties; (3) understand the principles which an Australian court will apply to choice of law issues involving statutes, contracts and torts; and (4) understand techniques which an Australian court will (or should) adopt and apply to conflict of laws issues raised in proceedings before it.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) case note; (2) assignment; and (3) exam. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Matthew Howard (SC)
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
20820 Juris Doctor
and LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering and five Unit(s) ( LAWS4102 Criminal Law
, LAWS4103 Contract
, LAWS4104 Property
, LAWS4106 Torts
, LAWS4107 Land Law
, LAWS4108 Foundations of Public Law and ( LAWS4109 Legal Theory and Ethics
or LAWS4110 Interpretation
) )
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.