Undergraduate - UnitLAW4177 - Introduction to family law 406

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL

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

Level	Undergraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Law
Offered	Clayton Summer semester B 2014 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit gives students an understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts in Family Law. Topics include:

the family - history and the concept of 'the family'
practising family law - professional and ethical challenges and courts jurisdiction;
marriage and divorce - obligations created by marriage
dividing property under the Family Law Act - principles relating to property division between married couples and those living in a de facto relationship
children's rights and parental responsibilities - the Family Law Act relating to parental responsibility and parenting orders
family support spousal maintenance and child support.

Outcomes

On completion of the unit students will be able to:
a. comprehend and explain the essential concepts and policies underlying the Australian family law system including the broader context in which the system operates.
b. critically evaluate the challenges and debates surrounding family law including the ethical debates and professional responsibilities facing family lawyers.
c. identify, analyse and critically comment on disputes between parties to a marriage or parties in a de facto relationship involving issues of property, children and maintenance
d. demonstrate reasoning skills and professional judgement which generate appropriate responses to complex statutory problems
e. communicate effectively appropriately and persuasively on issues pertaining to family law.
f. learn and work autonomously and collaboratively and use feedback to improve their own capabilities and performance.

Assessment

Examination (2 hours writing time plus 10 minutes reading time): 100% OR Examination (1 hour writing time plus 10 minutes reading time): 50% plus participation in a placement program (25%) with a written research assignment (25%) (2000 words): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Adiva Sifris

Workload requirements

Taught intensively over 3 weeks of lectures for 4 hours a day, with examination in the following week.

Prerequisites

LAW1100 or LAW1101 and LAW1102 or LAW1104 and LAW2101 and LAW2102 and LAW2201 and LAW2202

Prohibitions

LAW4162; LAW4163