Legal Theory (LAWS50031)
Graduate coursework level 5Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 2
Teaching staff:
Shaun McVeigh (Subject Coordinator)
For current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office
November
Teaching staff:
Julian Sempill (Subject Coordinator)
For current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office
Overview
| Availability(Quotas apply) | Semester 2 November |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
Legal Theory examines the nature of law, its role in society, and its relationship to morality and politics.
The questions we investigate have productive historical and conceptual traditions but no settled answers, and students will be encouraged to critically evaluate their own and others’ theories and arguments. To this end, the subject will examine a range of approaches, and assist students to further develop skills in critical analysis, reasoning and argument. The subject enables students to develop and evaluate their thinking about a number of theoretical questions, drawing on a range of conceptual approaches to the study of law.
Indicative list of principal topics:
- jurisprudence;
- law, society and culture;
- authority, politics and rule of law; or
- law, morality and ethics.
These topics will be explored in the context of the plural traditions of legal theory, and by way of examples from debates about the character and role of law in society, both nationally and internationally.
Intended learning outcomes
The aim of the subject is for students to develop their conceptual understanding of law and of law’s key role in society. This understanding will be developed through individual close reading and class discussion of legal theory texts, and through collaborative analysis of contemporary political, social and ethical issues within law. Students who successfully complete the subject will be able to:
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge and understanding of the key theories and theoretical questions, topics and issues explored in the course;
- Demonstrate the ability to independently read and comprehend theoretical texts, concepts and arguments;
- Demonstrate the ability to explicate, analyse and evaluate a range of theories, arguments and perspectives, including those relating to Indigenous jurisprudence and legal pluralism, in order to engage with complex conceptual questions at an abstract level; and
- Develop and communicate reasoned and justified arguments about questions and issues in legal theory.
Generic skills
Through completion of this subject students will have practised the following skills:
- Close reading and analysis of a range of sources, including legal theory texts and interdisciplinary materials;
- A capacity to engage in critical thinking, evaluation and independent thought at an abstract level;
- A capacity to communicate knowledge and understanding of complex ideas in oral and written forms, to defined audiences;
- The ability to write effectively in descriptive, analytical, critical and reasoned modes;
- The ability to consider responses to unfamiliar or challenging ethical issues;
- The ability to participate constructively as a member of a small class, with a high level of personal accountability; and
- Intercultural awareness and understanding, demonstrated through respect for the considered views and values of others.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
At least one of these subjects
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Class participation | Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
Essay or equivalent assignment
| During the assessment period | 45% |
Final examination
| During the examination period | 45% |
| Hurdle requirement: A minimum of 75% attendance at scheduled classes is required. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
The due dates of interim assessment will be made available to students on the Assessment Schedule on the Juris Doctor Canvas LMS Community. Note, these are updated regularly.
The timing of centrally managed final examinations can be found when the exam timetable is made available.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Shaun McVeigh Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours Total time commitment 170 hours Pre teaching requirements Please refer to the Reading Guide on the LMS subject page for confirmation of which resources need to be read and what other preparation is required before the teaching period commences. Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
Teaching staff:
Shaun McVeigh (Subject Coordinator)
For current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office - November
Principal coordinator Julian Sempill Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours Total time commitment 170 hours Pre teaching start date 12 November 2025 Pre teaching requirements Please refer to the Reading Guide on the LMS subject page for confirmation of which resources need to be read and what other preparation is required before the teaching period commences. Teaching period 26 November 2025 to 14 December 2025 Last self-enrol date 11 November 2025 Census date 28 November 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 2 January 2026 Assessment period ends 30 January 2026 November contact information
Teaching staff:
Julian Sempill (Subject Coordinator)
For current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office
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
November offering
The intensive offering of the subject is quota restricted to 80 students
Students can enrol into the intensive offering on a first-in basis. Once the quota has been reached, students seeking enrolment may contact the Law School Academic Support Office.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
If subject coordinator approval is required, or for further information about Community Access Program study, please contact us
(enquiries for current students | enquiries for prospective students).
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025