Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit is designed to give students an understanding of the legal profession in its historical and societal contexts, the significance of being a profession and the organisation, structure and regulation of the legal profession in Victoria. The unit will examine critically the role of lawyers in the Australian legal system.

Objectives

On completing the unit, students should be able to:

1. understand the nature of a profession and the privileges and obligations of being a member of a profession
2. understand legal practitioners' obligations as trustees of client money
3. appreciate some current issues and future challenges confronting the legal profession and have reasoned opinions about them
4. understand how the legal profession is organised and regulated in Victoria and implications of current reforms
5. understand the ethical and professional obligations of lawyers with respect to clients, the courts, other practitioners, third parties and the community generally
6. be able to identify ethical issues that arise in the context of legal practice
7. understand how to resolve ethical issues in accordance with the principles and rules of professional conduct
8. appreciate the role of personal moral values in professional conduct
9. understand practitioners' obligations to provide information to clients and in charging legal costs
10. appreciate the role of lawyers in the Australian state and society.

Assessment

Research essay 30%
Examination 70%.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Matthew Groves (Trimester 1)
Ms Yee-Fui Ng (Trimester 2)
Ms Oyiela Litaba (Trimester 3)

Contact hours

24 hours of class contact per 12 week trimester plus 10 hours per week private study and preparation.

Prerequisites

LAW7212 or LAW7470, LAW7265 or LAW7428 and LAW7429, LAW7266, LAW7267, LAW7269, and LAW7271