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

The unit involves attendance at a community legal service which endeavours to meet the needs of its community. Students learn a range of lawyers' skills and develop professional commitment and ethical standards. The subject adds a social dimension to academic training by creating an opportunity for students to assess the adequacy of law and legal processes in context.

Objectives

Students completing this unit should have acquired:

1. the ability to critically analyse legal principles and the legal system in the context of contemporary society
2. an understanding of the extent to which the law and the legal system meet the needs of the community
3. skills involving judgment, such as the investigation of facts, the recognition of issues, the analysis of problems and situations, the use of tactics and decision-making
4. skills in oral and written communication required of lawyers, including interviewing, counselling, negotiating, advocacy and drafting
5. an understanding of professional legal issues of ethics and morality.

Assessment

Legal service work: 60%
Law reform and education group task: 20%
Reflective journal: 20%

Chief examiner(s)

Mr Ross Hyams

Contact hours

One half-day Legal Service client intake session per week throughout semester (including non-teaching period) is mandatory. There is also a 2-hour seminar each week for the first 10-12 weeks and one 1-hour tutorial per week for the first 3-4 weeks of the teaching period.

Prerequisites

The achievement of at least 8 units or 48 credit points towards the Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) to include:

LAW7079 Legal research and problem solving,
LAW7264 Principles of criminal law and procedure,
LAW7428 Principles of contract law A,
LAW7429 Principles of contract law B; and
LAW7266 Principles of torts
Or equivalent.

Prohibitions

Students may take no more than 18 credit points from units on the list of skills based or practical electives approved by PGSC.