Legal Research (LAWS50039)
Graduate coursework level 5Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability(Quotas apply) | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is a core element of the JD degree. It provides students in their final year with a capstone supervised research experience. It does so through supervised research seminars or structured projects, generally offered in a small group setting. Students will have the opportunity to work closely with a member of the academic staff in pursuing a particular research interest. In each semester, a range of seminars and projects will be offered. Some may have special entry requirements and enrolment limits. Each seminar or project will include a research skills component and seminar or project-based supervision on a legal issue.
Intended learning outcomes
The subject involves study of a selected area of law at an advanced level; the subject requires the student to engage in self-directed research, under the supervision of a member of staff with expertise in the student's field of inquiry, and/or the methodology they have chosen to use. Students who successfully complete this subject will have demonstrated:
- Creativity and originality in identifying, framing and developing their own sophisticated and relevant research question;
- A rigorous and effective methodological approach to planning, researching and executing a substantial and innovative research-based project;
- A deep and integrated knowledge and understanding of the research project area including its connection with its broader contexts;
- Sophisticated interpretation and integration of relevant material from a full range of primary and secondary sources;
- Critical analysis and argument that demonstrates substantial originality, creativity and insight into the research subject area;
- A capacity to communicate the research thesis clearly, persuasively and succinctly in an oral presentation;
- A capacity to reflect upon and engage with feedback from an oral presentation of their research thesis and other feedback from the supervisor;
- Sophisticated, appropriate, effective and persuasive written communication skills, demonstrated in developing, structuring, editing, presenting and referencing relevant analysis, argument and conclusions on the research project, in a format appropriate for publication; and
- A high level of personal autonomy and accountability in developing and executing the substantial research project.
Generic skills
On completion of the subject, students should have demonstrated the following skills:
- Ability to develop and frame a sophisticated legal research question;
- Employing complex research methodologies well-suited to answering the research question;
- Ability to identify and critically analyse a diverse range of pertinent and complex materials;
- Capacity for advanced critical and independent thought and reflection; and
- Capacity to communicate the research results, clearly, comprehensively and persuasively.
Last updated: 8 November 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
All of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAWS50023 | Legal Method and Reasoning | Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| LAWS50024 | Principles of Public Law | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| LAWS50025 | Torts | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| LAWS50026 | Obligations | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| LAWS50028 | Constitutional Law | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| LAWS50029 | Contracts | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| LAWS50030 | Property | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| LAWS50031 | Legal Theory |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
November (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| LAWS50032 | Administrative Law | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| LAWS50033 | Equity and Trusts | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| LAWS50034 | Criminal Law and Procedure | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| LAWS50035 | Corporations Law | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AND
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAWS50027 | Dispute Resolution | No longer available | |
| LAWS90140 | Disputes and Ethics | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 8 November 2024
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Hurdle requirement: Class or project participation evidenced by oral presentation | N/A | |
Written research work project or equivalent
| 100% |
Additional details
The due date of the above assessment will be available to students via the Assessment Schedule on the LMS Community.
Last updated: 8 November 2024
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Amanda Whiting Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Up to 4 hours per week Total time commitment 144 hours Teaching period 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 - Semester 2
Principal coordinator Amanda Whiting Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Up to 4 hours per week Total time commitment 144 hours Teaching period 22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024 Last self-enrol date 2 August 2024 Census date 2 September 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 20 September 2024 Assessment period ends 15 November 2024
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
Students should self-enrol into this subject via my.unimelb
This subject has an application-based quota of 17 students per class topic (unless otherwise specified). All Legal Research class topic applications are subject to a selection process which will take place during the late re-enrolment period.
Please refer to the Melbourne Law School website for further Information about applying for a Legal Research class topic.
Last updated: 8 November 2024
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
Last updated: 8 November 2024