LAW4177 - Introduction to family law - 2019

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.

On completion of the unit students will be able to:

1. comprehend and explain the essential concepts and policies underlying the Australian family law system including the broader context in which the system operates.
2. critically evaluate the challenges and debates surrounding family law including the ethical debates and professional responsibilities facing family lawyers.
3. 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
4. demonstrate reasoning skills and professional judgement which generate appropriate responses to complex statutory problems
5. communicate effectively appropriately and persuasively on issues pertaining to family law.
6. learn and work autonomously and collaboratively and use feedback to improve their own capabilities and performance.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 1 hour and 10 minutes .

Examination (1 hour writing time plus 10 minutes reading and noting time): 50% plus participation in a placement program (25%) with a written research assignment (25%) (1250 words): 50%

OR

Examination (1 hour writing time plus 10 minutes reading and noting time); 50% plus research assignment 2500 words 50%.

Please note that the FLAP placement option will not be available in summer semester A, 2018 for this Unit.

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcome for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information