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.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit examines the role of the lawyer in the legal profession and wider society through the study of legal theory and legal professional ethics. It addresses questions about the concept of the legal system, the nature of legal argumentation and reasoning and different approaches to questions of justice. It explores the framework of laws, professional rules and institutions governing legal professional ethics in Western Australia, in the context of both litigation advocacy and commercial practice, as well as the background and rationale for professional ethics. A critical and reflective understanding is the central focus through close reading of theoretical texts and analysis of professional ethics challenges in a variety of scenarios. Students develop research skills in using theoretical scholarship and the regulatory, administrative and judicial decisions on legal professional ethics.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of (a) terminology to better appreciate scholarly legal debate and formulate and express views, analysis and critique of law and legal issues; (b) the ethical frameworks underpinning law and legal practice; and (c) the scholarship on legal theory from a variety of jurisdictions and cultures; (2) appreciate (a) the concept and underlying rationale for legal ethics; (b) questions of law and justice as both theory and practice; (c) legal and ethical frameworks in light of lawyers' key duties to their clients and to the wider community; (d) the regulatory framework of ethical legal practice; (e) legal and ethical frameworks in light of lawyers' key duties to their clients and to the wider community in the administration of justice; and (f) the substance and application of professional conduct rules to professional practice; (3) (a) critically analyse complex theoretical and ethical issues arising in law; (b) engage critically with scholarship on legal theory; (c) defend or critique a theoretical perspective; (d) identify, articulate and critically analyse complex theoretical and ethical issues arising in law; (e) identify and articulate current issues in legal ethics; (f) defend or critique a theoretical perspective; and (g) analyse the relationship between ideas of the rule of law and theoretical positions on the nature of law; (4) develop a coherent and plausible argument about the appropriate legal ethical conduct for an Australian lawyer in a given scenario using relevant legislation and judicial decisions; (5) communicate clearly in writing their analyses and views on theoretical and ethical issues; and (6) work with a high degree of autonomy and professionalism.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial participation; (2) assignment; and (3) examination. 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)
- Murray Wesson and Jacinta Dharmananda
- Unit rules
- Contact hours
- 4 hours per week
- Note
- This unit was previously LAWS5106 Legal Theory and Ethics.
- 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.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
- 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.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.