Course coordinator
Dr Renato Costa
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Law School
This course examines the structure of the Australian legal system and evaluates the core concepts underpinning the contextual realities of the system such as liberalism, the nature of rights, the plurality of law and the rule of law. The course also introduces students to legal thinking, case analysis, statutory interpretation and essential legal research skills. The course will therefore provide the platform for the future study of law.
The rationale for LAWS1700 Foundations of Law consists in equipping students with fundamental knowledge about the Australian legal system. Students will learn the structure and context of the Australian legal system, including aspects of its history, principles, and key institutions, from theoretical and practical viewpoints. Students will be able to compare and contrast different systems of law, discuss the major traditions in legal theory as well as evaluate the legal and political institutions, their roles, structures, composition and processes.
LAWS1700 will also develop relevant skills in legal reasoning, method,ﾠresearch and scholarly writing—all of which are essential for later study at Law School. If students are to effectively engage with the law, students must be equipped with the vocabulary and methodology of law and legal reasoning. It is also essential that students develop the necessary knowledge and skills to critically evaluate the meaning of law within its wider context. In LAWS1700, students will be equipped to draft case summaries, identify the key elements of a court decision, and learn to read and interpret statutes according to the best practices in statutory interpretation at the federal and state level.
To achieve its rationale, LAWS1700 Foundations of Law takes an innovative approach to teaching and learning for first-year law students. The approach is based on inquiry-guided learning and emphasises higher-order, creative and critical thinking skills—transferrable skills that underpin student learning, legal analysis, and future legal practice. The course develops these fundamental, transferrable skills through a comprehensive coverage of the historical, institutional, analytical and statutory context of law in Australia.
Note:
- There will be face-to-face lectures in LAWS1700 this semester, and each week this lecture will be recorded via ECHO360 and uploaded to the Learning Resources page of Learn.UQ (Blackboard). These recorded lectures will remain uploaded throughout the semester.
- Each week a face-to-face lecture will be delivered on a Thursday, and this lecture will cover material for the following week's tutorials. Lectures will commence in Week 2, and Tutorials in Week 3.
- There will be no In-Semester Examination or Assignment. Instead, students must submit 5 (five) Tutorial Reflection Tasks on Learn.UQ (Blackboard) throughout the semester.
- The Final Examination will be conducted as an on-campus invigilated exam during the University's end-of-semester exam period. The Final Examination will be a closed-book exam.
Course requirements
Assumed background
There is no assumed background for LAWS1700 Foundations of Law.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
LAWS1000 or 1111
Restrictions
LLB(Hons) and LLB(Hons) duals
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Renato Costa
Tutor
Dr Renato Costa
Ms Anne Vi Tran
Mr Jamie Miller
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
Teaching Mission Statement
The mission of the TC Beirne School of Law is to educate students in and about the law. We seek to assist you to think critically about the law and to investigate its structures, principles, policies, and values. This is achieved by engaging with you as fellow investigators in a range of critical and intellectual conversations about the law and its place in society. Our role is thus to guide you in your own intellectual journey in the law and to equip you with the necessary skills that will enable you to continue that journey long after you have left the Law School.
Course Aims
The principal aimﾠof LAWS1700 Foundations of Law is to engage students through active, inquiry-guided learning so that they build the necessary foundational knowledge, and develop the necessary higher-order, critical and creative thinking and problem-solving skills required for future legal study, analysis and practice.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Intended Learning Outcomes - Explore and critically evaluate the conceptual contextual complexities that underpin the Australian legal system including the meaning of law, legal justice, natural law and legal positivism.
LO2.
Intended Learning Outcomes - Critically evaluate the development of the common law in England and explain its relevance to the Australian legal system including the reception of English law in Australia and the Indigenous Legal Tradition.
LO3.
Intended Learning Outcomes - Explain the meaning of, and critically evaluate the distinction between the concepts of responsible government and representative government in the Australian context.
LO4.
Intended Learning Outcomes - Explain the meaning of, and critically evaluate the relevance of judicial independence in the Australian context.
LO5.
Intended Learning Outcomes - Critically evaluate the different theoretical approaches to legal reasoning, precedent and statutory interpretation.
LO6.
Intended Learning Outcomes - Analyse the strength of alternative arguments in solving complex problems involving identification of ratio decidendi and statutory interpretation which require application of relevant methodology, extrapolation of methodology to novel circumstances, and production of a reasoned, written opinion justifying the conclusion.
LO7.
Intended Learning Outcomes - Apply skills and techniques required in effective legal research of case law, legislation and secondary legal sources.
LO8.
Intended Learning Outcomes - Communicate effectively, appropriately and persuasively within the scholarly, written legal context.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Tutorial Reflection
|
50% |
17/03/2025 - 30/05/2025 |
| Examination |
End-of-semester Examination
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Tutorial Reflection
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
17/03/2025 - 30/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
During the semester, you should attempt 5 (five) of the 9 (nine) Tutorial Reflection Tasks. Each Tutorial Reflection Task is worth a maximum of 10 marks for a possible total of 50 marks (50% of total course assessment) for the semester. You must not answer more than 5 (five) Tutorial Reflection Tasks. If more Tutorial Reflection Tasks are submitted, only the first 5 will count towards your final grade. Students must submit at least 3 (three) Tutorial Reflections Tasks before the mid-semester break. Students who do not submit at least 3 (three) Tutorial Reflection Tasks before the mid-semester break will be penalised with half of their remaining marks (ie. the student will receive only 50% of credits in each of the subsequent Tutorial Reflection Tasks they submit).
Tutorial Reflection Tasks are noted on the Learning Activity Page of the Course Profile. They are also set out on the Learning Resources page of Blackboard (see the week folder).
Tutorial Reflections are due Monday at noon after the Tutorial Week. For example, The Lecture from Week 2 will be covered in the Week 3 Tutorial, and the Tutorial Reflection Task for that week will be due on Monday at noon in Week 4.
The first Tutorial Reflection task is due in the fourth week of the semester (ie Monday, 17 March, midday).
Submission:
Tutorial Reflection assessment tasks must be submitted online via the 'Assessment 1: Tutorial Reflection Task' Folder located on Learn.UQ (Blackboard) in the Assessment tab.
Submissions should be no more than 2 pages of A4 paper, be presented in font size 12, and be single-line spaced. They must not exceed 2 pages. Words in excess will not be read.
PLEASE NOTE: In relation to assessment, a course coordinator CANNOT grant an extension or approve a variation to the required mode of submission.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct Policy.
Submission guidelines
Tutorial Reflections must be submitted online via the 'Assessment 1: Tutorial Reflection Assessment Task' Folder located on Learn.UQ (Blackboard) in the Assessment tab.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Penalties for Late Submission
Late submissions will be graded "0" (zero). Students should take responsibility for submitting only 5; no less and no more than 5 Tutorial Reflection Tasks. Students who submit fewer Tutorial Reflection Tasks will not be granted extra attempts. Students who submit more than 5 will only be graded according to the first 5 tasks. Students have until 12pm (noon) of the relevant Monday (due date) to submit their Tutorial Reflection Tasks. Considering students must submit 5 (five) of 9 (nine) Tutorial Reflections, a penalty of 100% applies to late submissions of an assessment item. Students must submit at least 3 (three) Tutorial Reflections Tasks before the mid-semester break. Students who do not submit at least 3 (three) Tutorial Reflection Tasks before the mid-semester break will be penalised with half of their remaining marks (ie. the student will receive only 50% of credits in each of the subsequent Tutorial Reflection Tasks they submit).
End-of-semester Examination
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
The end-of-semester exam will consist of one essay-type question and two compulsory problem-solving questions.
No external materials will be permitted during the exam.
The end-of-semester exam will be timetabled by the University.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct Policy.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 47 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 48 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Learning resources and information will be placed on the course Learn.UQ (Blackboard) website. ﾠﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
First Year Skills Program Suggested Reading: Zimmermann and Moens (ch 1). There will be no Tutorials or Tutorial Reflections Tasks this week. Learning outcomes: L07, L08 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
The Idea of Law Lecture on the meaning of the law. Here, we will explore the traditions of Legal Positivism, Natural Law Theory, and different Theories of Justice. Required Reading: Hinchy (ch1). Suggested Reading: Parkinson (ch2), Zimmermann and Moens (ch2). There will be no Tutorials or Tutorial Reflections Tasks this week. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L08 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Rule of Law & Legal Systems Lecture on the idea of the Rule of Law. We will also compare and contrast different legal systems to learn the differences between, for example, common law and civil law, and federal and unitary states. Required: Hinchy (26–29). Suggested: Parkinson (118–124), Zimmermann and Moens (ch5). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L08 |
Tutorial |
The Idea of Law The first Tutorial Reflection Task is due at noon on Monday next week (17 March). For the Reflection Question, please refer to the relevant week on the Learning Resources page on Learn.UQ (Blackboard). Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L08 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Reception of English Laws in Australia The Lecture will discuss the origins of the common law, the British Westminster tradition, and the reception of English laws in Australia. Required: Hinchy (ch2–4). Suggested: Parkinson (69–118, ch5), Zimmermann and Moens (ch3–4). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Rule of Law & Legal Systems The Tutorial Reflection Task is due at noon on Monday next week (24 March). For the Reflection Question, please refer to the relevant week on the Learning Resources page on Learn.UQ (Blackboard). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L08 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
The Court System This week is all about the Judicature. We will answer questions such as: What is the Judiciary? How was the High Court of Australia created? How is the legal system in Australia structured? What principles underpin the exercise of judicial power? Required: Hinchy (ch7). Suggested: Parkinson (ch7), Zimmermann and Moens (ch14). Learning outcomes: L04, L08 |
Tutorial |
Reception of English Laws in Australia The Tutorial Reflection Task is due at noon on Monday next week (31 March). For the Reflection Question, please refer to the relevant week on the Learning Resources page on Learn.UQ (Blackboard). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Case Law & Precedent The Lecture will help us learn more about the rules concerning precedent, court hierarchies and the notion of stare decisis. Required: Hinchy (ch10). Suggested: Parkinson (89–92). Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Tutorial |
The Court System The Tutorial Reflection Task is due at noon on Monday next week (7 April). For the Reflection Question, please refer to the relevant week on the Learning Resources page on Learn.UQ (Blackboard). Learning outcomes: L04, L08 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Ratio and Obiter Dicta Lecture on Precedent and Ratio Decidendi, the meaning of Ratio and Obiter Dicta. Required: Hinchy (ch9). Suggested: Zimmermann and Moens (ch11). Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Tutorial |
Case Law & Precedent The Tutorial Reflection Task is due at noon on Monday next week (14 April). For the Reflection Question, please refer to the relevant week on the Learning Resources page on Learn.UQ (Blackboard). Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Legal Reasoning During this week, we will discuss the idea of law as a science, theories of Legal Argumentation and Legal Reasoning, and analyse judicial law-making and activism (Realism and Formalism in Judicial Interpretation). Required: Hinchy (ch8). Suggested: Parkinson (ch8). Learning outcomes: L06, L08 |
Tutorial |
Ratio and Obiter Dicta NO TUTORIALS ON GOOD FRIDAY (18). Affected students should attend other tutorials this week. The Tutorial Reflection Task is due at noon on Monday of Week 9 (28 April). For the Reflection Question, please refer to the relevant week on the Learning Resources page on Learn.UQ (Blackboard). Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Parliament and Legislation The lecture will focus on the idea of Parliamentary Sovereignty in Australia, the structure, composition and functions of the two houses of the Federal Parliament, and the different types of legislation. Required: Hinchy (ch5,6). Suggested: Zimmermann and Moens (ch12). There will be no Tutorials or Tutorial Reflections Tasks this week. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Statutory Interpretation I In the lecture, we will look at different theories of Statutory Interpretation, the notion of Legal Indeterminacy, and introduce the Acts Interpretation Acts of the Commonwealth and Queensland. Required: Hinchy (ch11, 762–775). Suggested: Parkinson (ch9). Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Tutorial |
Parliament and Legislation The Tutorial Reflection Task is due at noon on Monday next week (12 May). For the Reflection Question, please refer to the relevant week on the Learning Resources page on Learn.UQ (Blackboard). Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Statutory Interpretation II This week focuses on Constitutional Interpretation, Interpretive Tools and Methods of Construction, and a deep dive into Statutory Interpretation Methodology. Required: Hinchy (ch12,13). Suggested: Zimmermann and Moens (ch13). Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Tutorial |
Statutory Interpretation I The Tutorial Reflection Task is due at noon on Monday next week (19 May). For the Reflection Question, please refer to the relevant week on the Learning Resources page on Learn.UQ (Blackboard). Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
The Future of Law The lecture will cover the challenges that the law has been facing or will face in the future. We will discuss Law Reform proposals, talk about the participation of Indigenous Australians in our system of law, the relationship between Law and the Environment, and, of course, AI and the Law. Suggested: Parkinson (ch10). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L07, L08 |
Tutorial |
Statutory Interpretation II The Tutorial Reflection Task is due at noon on Monday next week (26 May). For the Reflection Question, please refer to the relevant week on the Learning Resources page on Learn.UQ (Blackboard). Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
First Year Skills Program Learning outcomes: L07, L08 |
Tutorial |
The Future of Law There will be no Tutorial Reflection Tasks for this week. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L07, L08 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: