LA4032 - Family Law

Credit points:	03
Year:	2011
Student Contribution Band:	Band 3
Administered by:	School of Law Office

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 Outcomes

• 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;
• understand the changing nature of marriage and divorce and child support.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to select and use appropriate IT tools;
• The ability to access and employ online technologies effectively;
• The ability to use a variety of media and methods to retrieve, analyse, evaluate, organise and present information;
• The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning processes and products;
• The ability to learn independently and in a self-directed manner;
• A commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual development.

Prerequisites:	LA1101 and LA1102
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	LA3005

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2011
Coordinator:	Professor Stephen Graw
Lecturer:	Miss Diane Ruhl.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 12 hours tutorials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (65%); tutorial attendance and participation (15%); assignments (20%).
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 25-Aug-2011
Coordinator:	Professor Stephen Graw
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 12 hours tutorials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (65%); tutorial attendance and participation (15%); assignments (20%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.