730-450 Australian Legal History

Legal Method and Reasoning; Principles of Public Law; Torts; Legal Theory or in each case their equivalents.

This subject is a social and political history of Australian law. It explores the role of law in Australian history and the things that have made Australian law distinctive. It covers interconnected chronological themes: the law of colonisation and the convict system; law and the land, including sale and occupation of public land; the framework of government, federation and Australia's relationship to England; equality before the law in relation to gender, sexuality and race; law and state security, including defence and dissent; the law of work; and other topics exploring the characteristics of 19th and 20th century law. Sources and methods in legal history research are also covered.

Note: The essay in this subject is regarded as a substantial piece of legal writing for honours purposes.

Note: Students wishing to complete a 10 000 word research paper may combine this subject with Advanced Legal Research (730-108), with the approval of both subject co-ordinators.

Research essay 5000 words 100% (due end of semester) OR final examination three hours 100%.

None.