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
Laws are, in essence, the translation of policy to reality. They are a key policy implementation tool. Being able to understand, critically analyse and work with laws is therefore a highly desirable skill. This unit provides the essential knowledge and practical skills required to assess, understand and work with laws in Australia. The main focus is on legislation, including its role in policy and regulation as well as its formation, enactment and interpretation. The unit also addresses the role of court-made law. In particular, how it influences and has an impact on legislation. The emphasis of the unit is on the application of these concepts and skills, with a view to better equipping those who work, or intend to work, in policy implementation or regulatory roles.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) understand and describe (a) key features of the legal system and the law making processes in Australia; (b) the relationship between legislation and court-made law; (2) understand (a) the role of legislation in policy and regulation; (b) the key legal principles governing the interpretation of legislation; (3) demonstrate analytical skills appropriate to the assessment of proposed or existing legislation; (4) demonstrate skills appropriate for locating material relevant to the analysis and interpretation of legislation and court-made law; and (5) communicate information, ideas and arguments about legislation in a clear and logical manner.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assessment of legislation memorandum; (2) class presentation/participation; 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)
- Assistant Professor Jacinta Dharmananda
- Unit rules
- Contact hours
- offered intensively
- Note
- Students are to attend every day of the intensive period. See timetable for exact dates.
- Recommended
reading -
Cook, C. et al. Laying Down the Law, 8th edn: Butterworths 2012
Greenberg, D. Laying Down the Law: a Discussion of the People, Processes and Problems that Shape Acts of Parliament: Sweet & Maxwell 2011
Hall, K., and Macken, C. Legislation and Statutory Interpretation, 3rd edn: Butterworths 2012
Sanson, M. Statutory Interpretation: OUP 2012
- 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.