LAW5125

Lawyers, ethics and society 506

(LAW)

Mr Andrew Crockett (summer)/Mr Matthew Harvey

6 points + First and second semesters: Three 1-hour lectures per week + Summer semester: Two 2-hour lectures per week + Clayton + Prerequisites: LAW2100, LAW2200

Synopsis: History, organisation, education, functions and regulation of barristers and solicitors in Victoria and elsewhere. Reform issues. The nature and significance of a profession. Independence of courts and lawyers. The changing face of dispute resolution, the cost of justice and different modes of legal service delivery. Standards of professional conduct, complaints and disciplinary procedures. Ethical rules and moral values. The subject meets the requirements of the Council of Legal Education for admission to practice in Victoria in the area of 'professional conduct' (including basic trust accounting).

Assessment: A 60 minute class test (trust accounting): 20% AND EITHER: A written research assignment (2000 words): 30% + Final examination (1.5 hours): 50% OR a Final Examination (2.5 hours): 80% [Please note: students who wish to be admitted to legal practice in Victoria via Articles of Clerkship must obtain a pass in the trust accounting class test.]