Fundamentals of the Common Law

Subject 730-852 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008. Search for this in the current handbook Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 - 26 contact hours per subject.
Total Time Commitment: The time commitment for this subject depends on the candidate's background and experience.
Prerequisites: Note

Candidates who have a degree in law from, or are admitted to practise in, a common law jurisdiction will not be permitted to enrol in this subject except with the permission of the Associate Dean (Melbourne Law Masters).

Courses

All Masters degrees (excluding Master of International Tax; Master of Tax; Graduate Diploma in Transnational Law)
Corequisites: N.A.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: N.A.

Coordinator

Ms Erica Grundell
Subject Overview:

Objectives:

A candidate who has successfully completed the subject should:

  • Have a sound general understanding of the history, principles, legal concepts and institutions of the common law
  • Understand the principal points of similarity and difference between common law and civil law systems
  • Be aware of the tendencies of the main legal systems to borrow from each other and understand the principal reasons for this
  • Have developed skills in legal analysis, research and writing.

Syllabus:

An examination of the history, principal legal concepts and institutions of the common law. Topics will be chosen with a view to providing a basis of knowledge and understanding for areas of law covered elsewhere in the Melbourne Law Masters.

Principal topics will include:

  • Evolution of the common law; the division between law and equity; theories of law; basic concepts, values and assumptions
  • Sources of law in common law systems
  • Institutions and procedures of the common law
  • Substantive principles of the common law
  • The interpretation of statutes.
Assessment:
  • Research assignment (100%)
    • Semester 1:
      • Class 1: 22 May
      • Class 2: 16 June
    • Semester 2:
      • Class 1: 16 October
      • Class 2: 13 November
Prescribed Texts: Core subject materials will be provided free of charge to all students. Some subjects require further texts to be purchased. Please visit the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website by following the link at the bottom of this subject entry.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Please see the Subject Objectives for this information.
Links to further information: 730-852Fundamentals of the Common LawMelbourne Law Masters, postgraduate law, post-graduate law, graduate law2008

Objectives:

A candidate who has successfully completed the subject should:

  • Have a sound general understanding of the history, principles, legal concepts and institutions of the common law
  • Understand the principal points of similarity and difference between common law and civil law systems
  • Be aware of the tendencies of the main legal systems to borrow from each other and understand the principal reasons for this
  • Have developed skills in legal analysis, research and writing.

Syllabus:

An examination of the history, principal legal concepts and institutions of the common law. Topics will be chosen with a view to providing a basis of knowledge and understanding for areas of law covered elsewhere in the Melbourne Law Masters.

Principal topics will include:

  • Evolution of the common law; the division between law and equity; theories of law; basic concepts, values and assumptions
  • Sources of law in common law systems
  • Institutions and procedures of the common law
  • Substantive principles of the common law
  • The interpretation of statutes.
  • Research assignment (100%)
    • Semester 1:
      • Class 1: 22 May
      • Class 2: 16 June
    • Semester 2:
      • Class 1: 16 October
      • Class 2: 13 November
Note

Candidates who have a degree in law from, or are admitted to practise in, a common law jurisdiction will not be permitted to enrol in this subject except with the permission of the Associate Dean (Melbourne Law Masters).

Courses

All Masters degrees (excluding Master of International Tax; Master of Tax; Graduate Diploma in Transnational Law)

N.A.24 - 26 contact hours per subject.Core subject materials will be provided free of charge to all students. Some subjects require further texts to be purchased. Please visit the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website by following the link at the bottom of this subject entry.Please see the Subject Objectives for this information.The time commitment for this subject depends on the candidate's background and experience.N.A.Please see the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website for up to date timetable information.Ms Erica GrundellLawFor the latest information on this subject, please visit: http://www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au/subject/730852P12.500Semester 1, Semester 2NLawLaw730-852

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