Course Title: Research legal information using primary sources
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2019
Course Code: LAW5747C
Course Title: Research legal information using primary sources
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4386 - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation
Course Contact: Ms Vicki Mesiti
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5425
Course Contact Email: vicki.mesiti@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nominal Hours: 40
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research legal systems and jurisdictions within Australia. It applies to individuals who use well-developed research skills to analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources to provide support in a range of legal service settings. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
BSBRES404 Research legal information using primary sources |
Element: |
1. Receive and process request for information |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Document request using appropriate recording system 1.2 Confirm client identity and other party's right to receive information 1.3 Clarify client needs and establish relevant criteria in consultation with designated person to ensure client needs are met 1.4 Research and identify appropriate response methods and format 1.5 Forward request for information to others where appropriate |
Element: |
2. Identify information sources |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify and research relevant sources and locations of information
2.2 Obtain access to identified sources 2.3 Resolve problems with accessing information promptly and efficiently |
Element: |
3. Prepare to extract information |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Locate and extract information relevant to particular request |
Element: |
4. Ensure information meets request |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Analyse, evaluate and edit extracted information to fit client needs 4.2 Combine different types of information, where appropriate, to provide response to request |
Element: |
5. Compose report or correspondence |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Develop plan and synopsis for report or correspondence
5.2 Write report or correspondence using clear and concise language
5.3 Check spelling, punctuation and grammar, and amend where necessary |
Element: |
6. Prepare to format report or correspondence |
Performance Criteria: |
6.1 Format report or correspondence according to organisation's requirements, policies and procedures 6.2 Check report or correspondence for accuracy and to ensure that intended meaning will be readily understood by recipient |
Element: |
7. Finalise report or correspondence |
Performance Criteria: |
7.1 Arrange review and sign-off of report or correspondence with designated person within designated timelines 7.2 Apply organisation's information-recording procedures 7.3 Forward report or correspondence to client |
Learning Outcomes
At successful completion of this course you should be able to: • Apply appropriate communication techniques, both generic and written, relevant to a range of organisations and their legal and compliance requirements. • Develop reasoned viewpoints, draw conclusions, and make recommendations after researching, interpreting, analysing, and evaluating legal issues. • Demonstrate a range of technology skills appropriate to research and e-learning when investigating the different areas of law. • Demonstrate the ability to monitor relevant legal issues via electronic and print based mediums.
Details of Learning Activities
A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced, collaborative classroom work based learning (WIL) activities. The self-paced activities will be delivered through various technology platforms and include your contribution to wikis and discussion threads, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions. The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment which include relevant field trips. We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.
Teaching Schedule
Course Schedule: Introduction to the Legal Process Semester 1: 2019 | |||
Week |
Topic |
Readings and Activities |
Assessment |
Week 1 |
Introduction to course- Rules and Laws Understanding the Nature of Conflict |
Reading: Introduction to the Australian Legal System Manual 1 p4 -Canvas Course Resources Activity: Consolidation- Exploring the legal context from personal experience and discussion |
|
Week 2 |
Legal Research Skills Distinguishing Criminal Cases and Civil Disputes Types of Conflict |
Reading: www.austlii.edu.au Manual 2 P4-14 Activity: Research tasks Begin character profiles Bogabilla case study Library Workshop 2nd session- "Legal Research Skills" |
|
Week 3 |
Sources of Australian Law-Parliament |
Reading: The Legislative Process p6 Manual See Canvas Course Resources Visit to Parliament House Introductory exercises "Parliament in context" Video-parliamentary process Continue character profiles-Bogabilla case study |
|
Week 4
|
Sources of Australian Law-The Constitution |
Reading: Evolution of Parliament in Australia: Manual p3-5 See Canvas Course Resources Activity: Consolidation questions Continue character profiles-Bogabilla case study |
- |
Week 5 |
The Adversary System of Trial
|
Reading: The Adversary System Manual 2 p2 See Canvas Course Resources Visit to Victoria Police Museum Film The Adversary System Consolidation questions Continue character profiles -Bogabilla case study |
|
Week 6 |
The Australian Court Hierarchy-Federal Courts |
Reading:Manual 1 p21-24 See Canvas Course Resources Activity: Consolidation questions Continue character profiles- Bogabilla case study |
|
Week 7 |
The Australian Court System-State Courts |
Reading:Manual 1 p15-21 Activity: Consolidation questions Criminal Justice Program Guest Speakers Continue character profiles- Bogabilla case study |
|
Week 8
|
The Australian Court System-State Courts |
Reading: Manual 1 p15-21 See Canvas Course Resources Activity: Assessment preparation |
Assessment 1:Folio |
Week 9 |
Court Processes- Criminal and Civil Proceedings |
Reading: Manual 2 p18-30 See Canvas Course Resources Court Visits Activity: Consolidation questions |
|
Week 10 |
Precedent Research-Finding Case Law |
Reading: Manual 2 p40-46 -See Canvas Resources Activity: Case studies and Consolidation questions |
|
Week 11 |
Precedent-Statutory Interpretation |
Reading: Manual 2 p48-52 -See Canvas Resources Activity: Case studies and consolidation questions Visit to Koori Court |
|
Week 12 |
Alternative Dispute Resolution Tribunals Using Mediation to Resolve Conflict |
Reading: p34-38 Manual 2 -See Canvas Course Resources Activity: Case Studies, MDA video and Consolidation questions |
|
Week 13
|
Research and Presentation Skills |
Assessment Preparation
|
|
Week 14 |
Research and Presentation Skills |
Assessment Preparation |
|
Week 15 Week 16 |
Presentation Re-submission period |
Assessment 2 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
All learning resources are available within Canvas. Resources include reading materials, videos and activities. There are Collaborate Ultra (webinar) sessions and online discussion boards.
All resources are available in the Canvas LMS.
Online learning materials can be accessed by going into the RMIT web sites Online Learning Hub.
The online learning materials listed include:
• Course outline • PowerPoint Presentations • Course Reading Manuals • Supporting Reading material • Industry relevant articles • Various learning activities • Relevant legal websites
It is recommended that you have a pen and a notebook to take notes and a device for use in all your classes.
Overview of Assessment
In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:
Performance Evidence Evidence of the ability to: • explain differences between Australian law making institutions • identify appropriate institutions to hear civil versus criminal proceedings • explain how adversarial system of trial operates • explain application and outcomes of principles of precedent • read and interpret legislation. Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once. Knowledge Evidence To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must: • list institutions and main features of the Australian legal system • identify legal terminology in relation to areas of practice of law and relevant legal processes • outline methods used to identify appropriate information about sources of Australian law • list scope of responsibilities in context of legal framework. Assessment Conditions Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the legal services administration field of work and include access to: • office equipment and resources • legislation and regulations relevant to common legal matters • people with expert knowledge. Feedback Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions to obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. You can also email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain further feedback on your progress. You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.Assessment Tasks
In order to be deemed competent in this course you will need to satisfactorily complete all of the following assessments:
Assessment Task 1 - Folio (written report) Due Date: End of Week 8 The aim of this assessment is for you to investigate the Australian legal system using primary and secondary sources and apply relevant principles of law. You will need to produce:
- a legal research report encompassing folio tasks based on the character profiles from the Bogabilla case study
Feedback for this assessment will be provided in week 10.
Assessment Task 2 - Presentation (Multimedia & Oral Presentation) Due Date: Week 14 Session 1
Legal regulation and conflict resolution is a very important part of business and other organisations. You must prepare a presentation explaining to prospective new members of an organisation why an understanding of the law is essential for a successful business or organisation. You may use the Bogabiila case study to help you address the relevant topics or you are welcome to research an area of future professional interest. Your presentation must address the following points:
- Define the terms statute law and precedent giving examples of each
- An explanation of criminal law using examples
- An explanation of civil law using examples
- Discuss examples of possible conflict situations such as those faced by Bernie in the Bogabiila case study and ways of resolving such conflict
- Discuss ways of diverting cases from the justice system using alternative dispute resolution methods
- Discuss current strategies of supporting victims of crime in the criminal justice process
- Discuss services available for people seeking to resolve civil law issues such as those to do with consumer law
Feedback for this assessment will be provided in week 16.
Assessment Matrix
No |
Name of Assessment Task |
Method of Assessment |
Elements Performance Criteria |
Foundation Skills |
Performance Evidence |
Knowledge Evidence |
Assessment Conditions |
1. |
Folio |
Written Report |
E1 PC 1.1-1.5 E2 PC 2.1-2.3 E3 PC 3.1-3.4 E4 PC 4.1 4.2 E5 PC 5.1 -5.3 E6 PC 6.1-6.2 E7 PC 5.1 5.3
|
1-5 |
1-4 |
1-3 |
1-4 |
2. |
Presentation
|
Oral Presentation |
E1 PC 1.4 E2 PC 2.1-2.2 E3 PC 3.1 3.4 |
1-5 |
1-4 |
1-3 |
1-4 |
Other Information
Submission Requirements
You should:
- Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date.
- Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
- When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of each assessment task is available on Canvas.
- Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Jane Smith, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.
Late Submission Procedures
You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates. If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days. More Information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration. Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination. More Information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/m9yljqvw15di.pdf
Re-submissions (VET Programs)
If you are found to be unsuccessful in a particular Course Assessment Task (or you do not submit/attend) you will be allowed one resubmission. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission. If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible. Adjustments to Assessment In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website: More Information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/adjustments-to-assessment Marking Guide (Competency) You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying. You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing. Final Grades Table CA - Competency Achieved NYC - Not Yet Competent DNS - Did Not Submit for assessment Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.
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