LA3005:03
Family Law
Townsville
Prerequisites: Level 2 LA subjects
26 lectures, 13 tutorials. First semester.
Available to level 3 LLB students or combined degree students.
Existing legal rules affecting family relationships and the function of lawyers in their administration are examined, and a critical evaluation of these rules in the light of social objectives is undertaken. The subject includes the laws relating to entry into marriage and dissolution of marriage; the consequences of separation and divorce (maintenance and property rights; custody and access); parents and children; adoption; de facto relationships. The role of lawyers in the process of dissolution, particularly in the fields of counselling, conciliation and mediation, is considered, along with a full treatment of the Family Law Act 1975 (Commonwealth).
Learning Objectives:
- understand the changing nature of marriage and divorce and child support;
- analyse the meaning of provisions in the Marriage, Adoption and Family Law Acts and other legislation;
- apply the statutory provisions and case law, to practical and hypothetical problems arising in family law;
- describe and understand the procedures of the Family Court of Australia.
Assessment by written assignment (20%); final examination (80%) (subject to variation).
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