Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives This single semester elective subject for the LLB degree examines the fundamental sources, divisions, personnel and machinery of the Malaysian legal system. It is intended to acquaint students returning to Malaysia to practice with the fundamentals of their legal system, as well as to give Australian students a sensitivity to an Asian nation with a legal system based in part upon the common law. Students who successfully complete the subject should (1) be familiar with comparative law methodology; (2) understand the fundamentals of the common law system, with their application to Malaysia; (3) be familiar with the sources of Malaysian law including Islamic law and the native laws of Sabah and Sarawak and (4) have gained a perspective on the Australian legal system.
Synopsis Fundamental sources, divisions, personnel and machinery of Malaysian legal system. Historical influences. Relationship today of common law, Muslim law, customary law.
Assessment Final `open book' examination (3 hours): 50% + Research paper (5000 words): 50%