Ever wondered how Australia’s legal system actually works? This course provides a clear and accessible introduction to the principles that underpin law in a democratic society.

We explore the foundations of the legal system, including the Constitution, the rule of law, courts and legal processes. Key areas such as criminal law, contracts, negligence and human rights are explained in practical terms. 

Designed for non-lawyers, this course demystifies legal concepts and helps you understand how law shapes everyday life and public decision-making.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• Law and democracy, the Australian Constitution, separation of powers, judicial independence, the Rule of Law and the sources of our laws
• The Common Law adversarial system and the Civil Law inquisitorial system
• Judges, juries, barristers and solicitors, how trials are run, and principles of the law of evidence
• Punishment and compensation
• Crime, negligence, defamation and contracts
• Principles of natural justice, the limits of government power, do we need a Bill of Rights?
• Administrative law, international law, human rights, and the rise of authoritarianism

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. See Australian law as a coherent system
2. Appreciate how law reflects social norms and values
3. Understand principles of selected areas of law
4. Demystify the legal stories reported every day in the media\
5. Become better informed citizens