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 involves the study of the nature, function, governance and regulation of not-for-profit (NFP) entities in Australia. The unit approaches these issues on a life-cycle basis, examining aspects of formation, governance, tax and fundraising concessions, regulatory requirements and dissolution restrictions applicable to not-for-profit entities under statute and the common law. Students engage with current research, comparative perspectives and recent developments in the law to critique the extent to which the current framework for not-for-profit entities encourages innovative, independent and efficient processes and activities for the public benefit, whilst also ensuring the accountability and integrity of the not-for-profit sector.

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

Students are able to (1) critically analyse the role of NFP entities in contrast to the government and for-profit sectors; (2) recognise their professional obligations to pro bono NFP clients and evaluate how these would be balanced against obligations to other clients; (3) use effective organisational skills and autonomy for their research project; (4) develop clear, concise and persuasive legal arguments; (5) critically analyse cases and legislation in order to advise on hypothetical NFP law problems and in evaluating solutions to contemporary NFP law issues; (6) assess the extent to which the current framework for NFP entities encourages innovative, independent and efficient processes and activities for the public benefit, while also ensuring the accountability and integrity of the NFP sector; (7) use effective organisational skills and autonomy for their research project; and (8) develop clear, concise and persuasive legal arguments.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) major research paper and (2) 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)
Ian Murray
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
) )
or for all other students one Unit(s) LAWS4103 Contract
, LAWS5103 Equity and Trusts
or equivalent
Advisable prior study
LAWS5103 Equity and Trusts
and LAWS5104 Corporations Law (or LLB equivalents)
Contact hours
This unit runs intensively 3-6 September. Students must attend every day of the intensive period.
  • 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.