James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

LA1102 - Legal Research, Writing and Analysis

Subject Description

This subject explores thinking, reading, researching and writing with the law and legal materials. It introduces students to the two core sources of law - case law and legislation - and their interrelationship, as well as related topics such as court hierarchies, the doctrine of precedent, and statutory interpretation. The subject develops legal, ethical and technological literacy and provides a range of skills and knowledge required for legal writing, research and problem solving.

Learning Outcomes

• Conduct library research to locate legislation, cases and commentary in print and electronic formats
• Explain and evaluate sources of law and legal processes
• Evaluate and apply the principles of the doctrine of precedent in a range of practical and theoretical situations (scenarios)
• Communicate effectively in writing in accordance with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (AGLC)
• Evaluate and apply the principles of statutory interpretation in a range of practical and theoretical situations (scenarios)

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (50%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (15%) - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (25%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 2 - (10%) - 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 BX2015

Availabilities