Legal Theory (11275.1)

This unit introduces students to theories of law, including accounts of the nature and purpose of law, the importance of the rule of law, the interaction of law and morality, the duty to obey law, and the determinacy of law. The unit also examines the wider social context of law from the perspectives of gender, race, and class.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Interpret and evaluate major theories of law through group activities such as discussion and role plays toward a conceptual understanding of the legal profession and law's place in society;
2. Critique case law, legislation and legal processes through persuasive research and writing tasks in preparation for a career in ethically-minded legal practice, law reform advocacy, or policy formation;
3. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to current legal issues through case studies; and
4. Establish strong theoretical foundations for further study in law subject units, graduate research, and lifelong education.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings

Prerequisites

11251 Foundations of Law and Justice

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

11440 Legal Theory PG

Equivalent units

7046 Legal Theory

Assumed knowledge

None.