Unit Overview

Description

Comparative law has long played an important role in statutory law reform but is also gaining increasing acceptance in the decision making process of appellate courts. The comparative study of foreign law can contribute to a deeper understanding of our own legal system and to the development of new solutions for legal issues. This unit introduces students to the comparative law method and to the basic structures and principles of selected major legal systems, with reference to various areas of law.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)On-campus
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) evaluate the discipline of comparative law and its methodologies; (2) assess how best to employ comparative methodologies and techniques in their work; (3) undertake a piece of comparative research; and (4) critically analyse the benefits and disadvantages of comparative law and its application in various areas of law.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) in-class presentation and (2) essay. 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)
Professor Camilla Andersen
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
20820 Juris Doctor
and Successful completion of
LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering
and LAWS4102 Criminal Law
and LAWS4103 Contract
and LAWS4104 Property
and LAWS4106 Torts
and LAWS4108 Foundations of Public Law
and LAWS4110 Interpretation

or
Enrolment in
20500 Master of Laws
or 20320 Graduate Diploma in Law
or 20550 Master of Mining and Energy Law
or 20560 Master of Resources and International Commercial Law
or 21520 Master of International Law
or 21530 Master of Law, Policy and Government
or 21320 Graduate Diploma in International Law
or 21340 Graduate Diploma in Law, Policy and Government
or 21550 Master of Taxation Law
or 42580 Master of Public Policy
and Successful completion of
LAWS4227 Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions or equivalent
Contact hours
3 hours per week
  • 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.