Unit details

LAWS4104 Property

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

If this unit does not have an online alternative, then students who are presently unable to enter Western Australia and whose studies would be delayed by an inability to complete this unit, should contact the unit coordinator (details given on this page) to ascertain, on an individual case-by-case basis, if alternate arrangements can be made to support their study in this unit.

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 1	UWA (Perth)	Face to face Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.

Content

This unit introduces the concept of property by considering questions regarding 'what is property?' and 'what things are capable of being the object of property rights?' It explains the importance of possession in property law and considers this in the context of real and personal property. It identifies and explains fundamental principles of land law including the physical dimensions of real property; the doctrine of tenure and estates; and aboriginal rights to land at common law. Students also explore the different ways in which proprietary interests in real and personal property may be created and transferred including by consent; without consent and by the operation of general equitable principles. The unit concludes with an examination of the priority rules to resolve disputes between competing interests in land and the law of co-ownership. The unit fosters a critical and analytical approach to examining property law principles. Where appropriate, it explores the social, political, economic and historical context of, and the ethical issues that arise in, property law. Students advance the core legal skills of problem solving; statutory interpretation; effective oral communication skills; and clear, concise and persuasive written legal arguments.

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate understanding by applying principles of real and personal property law to solve hypothetical legal problems; (2) evaluate comparative contexts of property law, particularly native title law; (3) analyse developments in property law including issues concerning the concept of property, the subject matter of property rights and native title; (4) critique alternative ethical responses to property issues and make appropriate and justified choices from the alternatives identified; (5) create clear, concise and persuasive legal arguments using correct and plain English both orally and in writing; and (6) evaluate submitted property law assessment by critically reflecting on the quality of the work in light of exemplars.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) class participation; (2) assignment and self reflection; and (3) examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Penny Carruthers

Unit rules

Co-requisites:

LAWS4103Contract

Contact hours

up to 4 hours per week

Recommended text

Moore, A., Grattan, S. and Griggs, L., Australian Real Property Law, 7th edn: Thomson Reuters 2020