James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

LA1101 - Legal Institutions and Processes

Subject Description

This subject explores the foundations of the Australian legal system including the processes by which Australian law is made and its implication in the colonization of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. It introduces the key institutions and principles of public law that support government in Australia, including the relationship between the three arms of government, the operation of the federation, and the limits on government power. Students will be introduced to foundational principles of statutory interpretation involving a range of public law issues.

Learning Outcomes

• analyse and critique the operation of Australian Legal Institutions from a variety of historical and theoretical perspectives
• describe the historical foundations of Australian Law
• identify and explain the ways in which formal law making bodies function in the Australian context
• describe the process and history of colonisation and the conquest and survival of indigenous people's under Australian Law

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (15%) - Individual
• Oral > Presentation 1 - (45%) - Individual
• Written > Reflection/reflective task 1 - (40%) - Individual

Note that 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.

Special Assessment Requirements

Tutorial attendance is mandatory in this subject. A student who fails to attend at least 70% must meet with the Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching and provide evidence as to why he or she should be permitted to sit the final exam or submit the final assessment task.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  LA1007

Availabilities