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Postgraduate Handbook

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Law for Psychologists 1 - LAWS9800
Law Books

 
Faculty: Faculty of Law
 
 
School:  Faculty of Law
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Postgraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 2
 
 
Fee Band: 3 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

The course is a postgraduate elective. It is available to postgraduate psychology students. This course will provide an introduction to certain aspects of law relevant to forensic psychologists. Topics to be covered will include an overview of the Australian legal system, civil obligations (tort and contract) and family law.


Recommended Prior Knowledge

The course is a postgraduate elective. It is available to postgraduate psychology students.

Course Objectives

  • To establish an understanding of the framework within which Australian law operates, and to explore two particular areas of special interest to psychologists. These areas are the notions of responsibility and family law. Law for Psychologists 2 takes up other areas of law which are of particular interest to psychologists including criminal law, evidence and procedure
  • To acquaint you with legal terminologies and styles
At the end of this course, you should be able to:
  • Recall and be able to recount the origins of the present structures and functions of the legal system
  • Explain in your own words the meaning of legal concepts, doctrines and principles we have studied

Main Topics

  • Legal system
  • Civil Responsibility
  • Family Law

Assessment

Class participation Includes a learning diary 10%
Legal system essay 2,500 words 40%
Final assignment Two 1.500 word essays 50%
 

Course Texts

Preliminary Reading
  • Chisholm and Nettheim, Understanding Law, Butterworths, 6th ed., 2002; OR
  • John Carvan, Understanding the Legal System, 4th ed., Federation Press, 2005; AND
  • Carol Harlow, Understanding Tort Law, 3rd ed., Fontana, 2005

Prescribed

  • Prue Vines, Law and Justice in Australia: foundations of the Australian Legal system, Oxford University Press, Melbourne, 2005
  • Commonwealth of Australia Constitution, AGPS ( or may be in the back of the legal dictionary)
  • NSW Constitution ( from NSW Govt bookshop or download from AUSTLII on web)
  • Law School Materials

These are the only materials which must be bought by all students. The books and Law School materials are available in the University Bookshop. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE THE LATEST EDITION OF ANY LEGAL BOOK. It is the nature of law that it may change quite fundamentally at any time. Out of date material may cause you a great deal of harm.

Law Dictionary
Butterworths Concise Australian Legal Dictionary, 3rd ed Lexis Nexis, 2004
A law dictionary will be useful throughout your law course and beyond; it is therefore strongly recommended you buy one of these.

Recommended
Refer to course outline.

Resources

Refer to course outline.

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.