1. Handbook
  2. Subjects
  3. Disputes and Ethics

Disputes and Ethics (LAWS90140)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2024 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks

Overview

Availability
Semester 2
FeesLook up fees

This subject introduces students to the theory and practice of civil dispute resolution and professional legal ethics. Students will develop a critical understanding of the operation of three key dispute resolution processes, namely, negotiation, mediation and litigation. Students will gain an appreciation of the role of lawyers in the resolution of legal disputes, in terms of the professional skills, ethical responsibilities and legal obligations involved, including an understanding of duties to the client and to the administration of justice. Through their experiences in a simulated civil dispute, and engagement with relevant doctrinal, socio-legal and jurisprudential literature, students will be required to reflect deeply on the processes and outcomes of civil disputes.

Intended learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete the subject will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the substantive legal rules and principles governing civil dispute resolution and professional legal ethics;
  • Analyse and evaluate a civil dispute involving a reasonably complex factual scenario, and provide advice and assistance as to the most appropriate method(s) of resolving the dispute;
  • Identify relevant ethical issues and demonstrate appropriate professional judgment and decision-making skills in advising on legal matters;
  • Demonstrate basic skills of legal research, client communication, case management, and negotiation;
  • Research, analyse and evaluate current theories, perspectives and developments in civil dispute resolution and legal ethics.

Last updated: 18 August 2024