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Bachelor of Laws
Handbook 2020
Critique.
LAW Te Kura Ture
While every effort has been taken to ensure the information
contained in this Bachelor of Laws Undergraduate Handbook
is accurate and up-to-date, the contents are subject to
change and review. The University of Canterbury makes no
guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained
in this publication. For formal course regulations and
prescriptions, please see the University of Canterbury
Calendar. The information contained in the University
of Canterbury Calendar is definitive. School of Law
Undergraduate Handbook published February 2020.
Contents
1 Kia ora and welcome 19 Prizes
2 Law degrees at UC 21 Student support and wellness
5 Double degrees at UC 22 Student organisations
6 Planning your LLB degree 24 Competitions
8 LLB Specialisations & career opportunities 27 Internships and Community Engagement
12 Academic information for students 28 General information
Kia ora and welcome
Whether you are a returning
student, or one who is new to the
University, we would like to welcome
you to the Law School for the 2020
academic year.
The University of Canterbury’s School of Law
has a proud tradition dating back to 1873 when
the University was established. It is known for
its innovation and dynamic approach to legal
education in New Zealand and is a leading
organisation within the University community,
the wider social community and also the
complete assessment requirements owing to
professional community of Christchurch,
illness or other reasons, and particularly that
Canterbury and New Zealand. As a law student,
not all assessments are subject to the Special
you now have your opportunity to play your part
Consideration procedure.
in the history of the School of Law.
Please read the handbook and familiarise
This handbook will provide you with information yourself with its contents. Keep it to hand
that will assist you to be an effective member throughout the year. If in doubt, consult the
of the Law School and the wider University University Calendar or ask a staff member.
community. It will prove a valuable companion
The College Reception staff on Level 2 of the
over the course of the year.
Business and Law Building can answer general
In addition to finding your way at the University enquiries but for academic advice you may need
and within the wider Christchurch Community to consult the School’s Academic Manager, Ms
we are sure that you will have a number of more Margaret Ricketts, the Assistant Dean (Students)
immediate questions about structuring your Law, Mr Simon Dorset, or the Student Advisor, Ms
degree and passing exams. This handbook is rich Ariana Johansson. Refer to page 7 for details of
in information. It tells you about the structure how to make an appointment.
of the Bachelor of Laws degree and the facilities
We are looking forward to getting to know you in
available to you that will help you achieve your
2020 and take this opportunity to wish you all the
goals.
best in your academic studies.
Note particularly the definitions of the meaning
Ngā mihi
of grades and the caution concerning dishonest
or improper practices. Note also the details of Professor Neil Boister Professor Ursula Cheer
the procedure covering Special Consideration Head of School of Law Dean of Law
Applications for when you are unable to
Bachelor of Laws, University of Canterbury 1
Law degrees at UC
Bachelor of Laws In addition to the compulsory courses, many
elective Law courses are available in all
The Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) is a
areas of legal study. These are referred to
professional degree and does not have a major
as Schedule E courses.
attached to it like some degrees. Everyone who
earns an LLB gains a broad background in law.
LLB degree content
This is because the content of the compulsory
The Bachelor of Laws degree is normally
courses is prescribed by the New Zealand Council
composed of four years of full-time study during
of Legal Education (NZCLE). These courses must
which you must take 75 points of non-Law
meet the criteria set by this organisation for
courses (which may include CRJU 101 and CRJU
courses of study that qualify for the examination
160 but may not include ACCT 152, ACCT 252 or
and practical legal training of persons wishing to
CRJU 150), plus eight Schedule C compulsory Law
be admitted as barristers and solicitors in New
courses prescribed by the NZCLE. You also choose
Zealand. The compulsory courses, referred to as
the equivalent of a further thirteen 300-level
Schedule C courses, make up the basic framework
Schedule E optional Law courses.
of the LLB.
The University of Canterbury Calendar and the UC
Regulations website contain the regulations for
the LLB degree.
2 Bachelor of Laws, University of Canterbury
LLB with Honours Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Students who do well in their early years of Students may also wish to consider enrolment
study may be invited to complete an LLB with in the Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree. This
Honours. Honours students must complete three degree may be completed in three years of
additional courses, LAWS 410 Advanced Research full-time study. It does not qualify graduates to
Skills, LAWS 420 Honours Research Paper and practise Law.
LAWS 430 Honours Dissertation within the Graduates will find a BCJ will prepare them
prescribed period. for careers in all aspects of criminal justice, in
particular roles within the police, Ministry of
Criteria for entry into Honours Justice and Department of Corrections.
Entry into the Honours programme is limited to The degree is also likely to be applicable to
around the top 25 eligible students per year. To working in many government departments,
be eligible for consideration, a student must have including prisons, probation and parole, in
completed at least three LAWS200 courses and no criminal justice policy, forensics, public and
more than 45 points from Schedule E to the LLB. private investigation and security.
Professional Legal Studies Much of the BCJ is prescribed, with electives
chosen from particular courses. The electives
To be eligible to apply for admission as a enable you to choose from courses in Criminal
Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court, a Justice, History, Human Services, Forensic
candidate must have graduated with an LLB Linguistics, Forensic Science, Philosophy and
degree, passed the course in Legal Ethics Psychology.
and must also have completed an approved
professional legal studies course. The Bachelor of Criminal Justice Handbook 2020
has further information.
There are two organisations with responsibility
for professional training for graduates seeking The University of Canterbury Calendar and the
admission as Barristers and Solicitors of the High UC Regulations website contain the regulations
Court of New Zealand. These are the Institute of for the BCJ degree.
Professional Legal Studies and the College of Law
(New Zealand).
Their contact details are:
Institute of Professional Legal Studies:
www.ipls.org.nz
College of Law (New Zealand):
www.collaw.ac.nz
Bachelor of Laws, University of Canterbury 3
Choosing UC by the advice of her parents,
Katie ended up making the most of her time
here because ‘UC has a wonderfully tight knit
community, and so many amazing opportunities’.
She started at UC with the Emerging Leaders’
Development Programme through a scholarship,
which saw her develop leadership skills and take
part in Christchurch community projects with
fellow students.
Within the immediate UC community, Katie
is the current President of UC Kakariki, the
sustainability student club, and the Education
and Welfare Officer for LAWSOC, the Law
students’ society.
‘I knew that I wanted to make a ‘I think the ‘campus’ feel of UC is a major
difference through mitigating modern strength. With a strong club presence, everyone
knows everyone here, and the people and place
environmental problems...’ are both vibrant and inclusive,’ she says.
When it came to choosing her study options, Katie had also stayed at College House
Katie had a very clear and powerful goal in mind. accommodation on campus for her first two
‘I knew that I wanted to make a difference years here, and was awarded the Mary Olif Davey
through mitigating modern environmental Scholarship for her Environmental Science study
problems. I’ve always been passionate about there. ‘The experience was fantastic: I met so
climate change. I can envision myself shaping many amazing people, and found a home away
policy around it and other environmental issues,’ from home. The culture and tradition of that hall
she says. of residence in particular is stupendous.’
As such, she ended up choosing to study She has also received the Leigh and Judith
both Science and Law degrees, focusing on Pownall Prize for her Geography study – twice.
environmental law with her studies in Geography The award was the icing on the cake for her love
and Environmental Science. The two degrees are for Geography and the outdoors, which she got to
an interesting combination, and one that Katie realise more in the Geography field trips.
finds equal use from when developing new skills ‘I’ve taken two papers with field trip elements
and expertise on the environment. – GEOG 211 and GEOG 313. Both field trips go
‘People are always surprised by my choice to out to Cass, which is a gorgeous spot. I loved
combine a Law degree with a Science degree. I being encouraged to climb the nearby hills
can’t think of a better duo, particularly if, like me, and mountains (one day I’ll manage to summit
you’re interested in resource management. Sugarloaf!) and being immersed in the experience
‘I love being able to put two different ‘hats’ with my peers.
on, when considering the environment. Katie ‘I’ve also taken four summer papers – BIOS 201,
the Geography student could build you a map GEOG 213, WATR 201 and ANTA 101. They were
to show where sea level rise might affect a all very distinct, but I really enjoyed them, and
residential area. Katie the Law student could tell would highly recommend them to others.’
you how to notify those residents, and legally
Katie Collier
effect warnings and relocations.’
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws
4 Bachelor of Laws, University of Canterbury
Double degrees at UC
Many LLB students choose to
complete double degrees. Double
degrees can be seen as a wise
investment for the future, expanding
employment opportunities, while at
the same time giving a competitive
advantage to job applicants. This is
facilitated by the provision for
cross-credits between the LLB and
other degrees.
Common double degree choices are LLB/BCom,
LLB/BA, LLB/BCJ and LLB/BSc.
The choice of degrees can give graduates entry
into specific areas of employment. For example, combination with a degree in a more specialised
an LLB/BSc double degree specialising in area of study that you may have a particular
Environmental Science could open up excellent talent or interest in. For example, you might
opportunities in the resource management field. choose to combine an LLB with a BA in Art History
or Classics.
An LLB/BCom would be more likely to lead
to a career in business management, often An LLB and a 3 year degree can normally be
to Chief Executive and director level in large completed in five and a half years of full-time
companies. An LLB/BA specialising in Media and study. Double degree students need to plan their
Communication could be the pathway to a career courses carefully and should confer with the
as a media lawyer. A BCJ and LLB might lead Student Advisor or Assistant Dean (Students)
to a career in criminal law practice, policing or Law – as well as the Student Advisors in the other
corrections. The combinations and opportunities College – to ensure that course choices will meet
are exciting and numerous. double degree requirements. It is important to
check degree completion requirements every year
A double degree is also an excellent opportunity with each College.
to gain a sought-after, marketable degree in
Bachelor of Laws, University of Canterbury 5
Planning your LLB degree
LAWS 101 and LAWS 110 are Degree regulations
compulsory courses designed to The University of Canterbury Calendar is the
provide the basic information and definitive source of the regulations governing
your degree or degrees. The Academic Manager,
skills required for legal study. LAWS Assistant Dean (Students) Law and Student
101 and LAWS 110 are followed by the Advisor are a good source of advice for
LAWS 200-level courses, all of which assistance in understanding the regulations.
are compulsory. For details see
Course options
https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/law/
Current course offerings are published each
LAWS 200-level courses are limited entry courses. year in the University of Canterbury Calendar
It is absolutely essential that students wishing and the Guide to Enrolment. The most up-to-date
to be considered for entry to these limited entry list of course offerings and information about
courses apply to enrol by the published deadline. courses can be found by following course links
If students do not apply to enrol by the deadline, on the Courses and Qualifications web pages. The
the places in limited entry courses will be given New Zealand Council of Legal Education (NZCLE)
to other eligible students who have applied. The expects that NZ Law Schools will teach face to
deadline for application to enrol in these courses face. Consequently no LLB courses are offered
is earlier than in other courses, and is published extramurally.
annually in the University of Canterbury Guide to
Enrolment and on the UC School of Law website. Degree planning and careers
See page 17 for selection criteria for LAWS 200 Students frequently ask questions about what
courses. optional courses they should take to assist them
Some 300-level courses, eg, Trial Advocacy, with the careers they have in mind. There are no
are also subject to limited entry. Deadlines for easy answers to these questions. The starting
applications to enrol may differ from those for point must always be: take courses that interest
LAWS 200-level courses. Deadlines are published you. Students always do well when they have a
in the Guide to Enrolment, the UC Calendar and in personal interest in the courses they are taking. It
the Course Information on the website. is the interest that will lead you to the career.
The Assistant Dean (Students) Law and the That said, there are some obvious choices. If you
Student Advisor are available to give guidance to are drawn to a career in litigation, enrol in LAWS
students on all matters including course options 307 Principles of Evidence. If you are interested in
and degree or double degree programmes. a career in the commercial world, enrol in LAWS
Please click here for the Course Advice page on 305 Company Law, and Commercial Law subjects.
our website.
6 Bachelor of Laws, University of CanterburyBachelor of Laws – typical degree structure
Year 1
LAWS LAWS 100 1 100 100 100 100
101 110 Level Level Level Level Level
Year 2
200 200 200 200
Level Level Level Level
Year 3
200 LAWS 300 300 300 300 300
Level 301 Level Level Level Level Level
Year 4
300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300
Level Level Level Level Level Level Level Level
Compulsory Law courses Electives Non-Law courses
1 May include CRJU 101 and CRJU 160.
Each small block represents a 15-point course. Large blocks represent 30 point courses.
If you want to work for Foreign Affairs, enrol in Simon Dorset
LAWS 324 Principles of Public International Law Assistant Dean (Students) Law
and other International Law subjects. Phone: +64 3 3693760
Beyond these broad categories it is very difficult, Email: simon.dorset@canterbury.ac.nz
when writing generally in a publication such as Ariana Johansson
this one, to be precise about the courses you Student Advisor
should take. There is a list of suggestions on Phone: +64 3 3693643
the LLB specialisation pages. Do what you are Email: ariana.johansson@canterbury.ac.nz
interested in and you will do well. Enquiries regarding Postgraduate study,
Course advice and information University policies or exchange programmes
should be directed to the Academic Manager.
For pre-enrolment advice:
www.canterbury.ac.nz/liaison Please email: law-enquiries@canterbury.ac.nz for
details.
For course advice and information students can
make an appointment. Undergraduate degree
enquiries should be directed to the Assistant
Dean (Students) Law, or the Student Advisor in
the first instance. To book an appointment, go to:
http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/law/course-advice/
Bachelor of Laws, University of Canterbury 7LLB Specialisations &
career opportunities
In the third and fourth years of a Law graduates interested in these fields are most
likely to find employment in law firms, share
Law degree you have a wide range of brokers, accountancy firms, insurance companies,
options and can choose to specialise banks, government or private businesses.
in one or more of the following areas. Those wishing to specialise in this area would
Note: It is not possible to offer all consider options from:
courses every year. • Company Law
• Commercial Law I: Sales and Consumer Law
Areas of specialisation in Law • Commercial Law II: Personal Property Security
& Credit
Some 300-level Law courses cross the boundaries • Insurance Law
between specialisations, underpin basic legal • Competition Law
concepts or inform the nature of legal practice. • European Union Law
These courses are: • Insolvency Law
• Jurisprudence • Intellectual Property Law
• New Zealand and Colonial Legal History • Taxation Law
• Legislation: Law-making for the • Special Topic - Financial Regulation
Twenty-first Century
• Legal Ethics* Community Law
• Evidence**
Community Law is concerned with advising
*
Legal Ethics is a compulsory course for those wishing to people who cannot afford to engage a
enter legal practice. lawyer from a law firm or who are otherwise
**
Evidence is recommended for inclusion in any area of disadvantaged.
specialisation involving appearances before a court or Law graduates who are interested in this kind
tribunal. It is a prerequisite for the Trial Advocacy course.
of work are most likely to find employment in
Commercial Law and Litigation community law centres or with activist groups.
Those wishing to specialise in this area would
Commercial Law is the area which deals with
consider options from:
all legal matters connected with commercial
business transactions including business • Family Law
structures, issue of shares, contracts, sale of • Commercial Law I: Sales and Consumer Law
property, loans, taxation, insurance and related • Commercial Law II: Personal Property Security
matters. & Credit
• Insolvency Law
• Insurance Law
• Immigration and Refugee Law
• Employment Law
8 Bachelor of Laws, University of CanterburyCriminal Justice Those wishing to specialise in this area would
consider options from:
Criminal Justice is concerned primarily with the
functioning of the criminal justice system. • Employment Law
• Advanced Employment Law
Law graduates interested in this field might find
• Immigration and Refugee Law
employment in legal practice, the Crown Law
• Taxation Law
Office, the Ministry of Justice, the Probation
Service, community law centres or the Police.
General Practice
Those wishing to specialise in this area would
General Practice is conducted mainly by small to
consider options from:
medium-sized law firms. They deal with a wide
• Evidence range of business including property law, family
• Bill of Rights law, commercial and consumer law, criminal law,
• International Criminal Law trusts, wills and estates.
• Trial Advocacy
Law graduates interested in General Practice are
• Genetics, Neuroscience & the Criminal Law
most likely to find employment with law firms
• Crime and Justice*
throughout New Zealand.
• Prisons and Corrections*
Those wishing to specialise in this area would
*
Courses offered by the School of Social and
Political Sciences. Discuss with the School of Law’s
consider options from:
Student Advisor if you wish to substitute one of these • Child and Family Law
courses for one LAWS300 elective course. • Relationship Property and Family Finance
• Company Law
Employment and • Commercial Law I: Sales and Consumer Law
Industrial Law • Commercial Law II: Personal Property Security
Employment and Industrial Law deals with & Credit
employment contracts, health and safety, • Insolvency Law
taxation and social security. • Insurance Law
• Employment Law
Law graduates interested in these fields might • Taxation Law
find employment in commercial organisations,
accountancy firms, community law centres
and other advisory agencies, employers’
organisations, employment advocates or
trade unions.
Bachelor of Laws, University of Canterbury 9Information and Media Law Rights and Diversity
Information and Media Law is concerned with There is a range of courses which are concerned
the regulation and the dissemination and with the rights of individuals and groups in
ownership of all kinds of information. New Zealand and beyond, and with how the law
Law graduates interested in these fields might responds (or does not) to increasing diversity in
find employment with law firms, patent our communities.
attorneys or as in-house counsel in radio or Law graduates who specialise in this area
television firms. are likely to find employment in government
Those wishing to specialise in this area would departments, community law centres and non-
consider options from: governmental organisations (in New Zealand and
internationally).
• Intellectual Property Law
• Competition Law • Treaty Settlement Negotiations
• Media Law • New Zealand Bill of Rights 1990
• NZ Bill of Rights • Gender and the Law
• Employment Law
• Immigration and Refugee Law
International Law • Law and Medicine
International Law is largely conducted • Family Law
government-to-government and concerns • International Human Rights Law
the relationship of nations to each other. • The Rights of Indigenous Peoples
International Law also affects large parts of
domestic law ranging from areas as diverse Property and Resource
as criminal law and environmental law but is Management Law
essentially the concern of the state.
Property and Resource Management Law deals
Law graduates in this field are most likely to find with matters relating to the creation, ownership,
employment in central government (particularly possession and transfer of both tangible and
– but not exclusively – in the Ministry of Foreign intangible property.
Affairs and Trade) or international and non-
governmental organisations. Law graduates interested in these fields might
find employment with law firms, central and
Those wishing to specialise in this area would local government, patent attorneys, property
consider options from: management and development companies, or
• European Union Law engineering consultancies.
• European Public Law Those wishing to specialise in this area would
• International Human Rights Law consider options from:
• Principles of Public International Law
• International Environmental Law • Advanced Land Law
• Law of the Sea • Taxation Law
• World Trade Law • Intellectual Property Law
• Antarctic Legal Studies • Environmental Law, Policy and Society
• Trade and Investment • Environmental Law, Conservation and the
• Comparative Law : New Zealand Law in Global Public Interest
Context • Judicial Review
• International Environmental Law
• Resource Management Act 1991:
Selected Issues
10 Bachelor of Laws, University of CanterburyPublic Law
Public Law is concerned with the organisation and
functioning of the institutions of government
and the relationship of those institutions to its
citizens and other bodies.
Law graduates in this field are likely to find
employment in central and local government, as
well as in private practice.
Those wishing to specialise in this area would
consider options from:
• Judicial Review
• Legislation: Law-making for the
Twenty-first Century
• Jurisprudence
• New Zealand Bill of Rights 1990
• International Human Rights Law
• European Union Law
• European Public Law
• Advanced Public Law
Other specialisations
There are numerous other highly specialised areas
of Law, including:
• Special Topic : Artificial Intelligence Regulation
• Law and Sport
• Law and Medicine
• Treaty Settlement Negotiation
• Māori Land Law
• The Rights of Indigenous People
• Pacific Legal Studies
Practical skills courses
• Legal Internship
• Clinical Legal Studies
Note: When planning your elective courses,
check whether particular courses have
prerequisite courses that you have to pass
first – e.g. Principles of Public International
Law is a prerequisite for many International
law options.
Bachelor of Laws, University of Canterbury 11Academic information
for students
UC Calendar notified of the conditions at the beginning
of each course. The basis of assessment for
There is vital information for all students in
each course will be emailed to students at the
the Regulations in the University of Canterbury
commencement of each Semester and will be
Calendar.
indicated in course outlines.
A summary of some areas is provided below, but
the UC Calendar should always be consulted for • Required work: All compulsory tests, essays
complete and current information. and other work must be satisfactorily
completed unless exemption is granted by the
Change of course procedure Dean. Where there are compulsory lectures,
tutorials or seminars, satisfactory attendance
If students wish to alter a course after enrolment
and performance is required. Failure to
they must do so by submitting a “Change of
comply with these requirements may result
Enrolment” through the UC website. See the
in a student not being credited with a course
Guide to Enrolment for procedures and deadlines.
regardless of his or her performance in the final
examination.
Discontinuation of courses
• Exemption from required work: Students
A student who does not intend to complete
seeking exemption from tests or exercises for
a course should follow the change of course
any reason, including illness, should see, in the
procedure outlined in the Guide to Enrolment.
first instance, the School of Law’s Academic
If this is not done it will be presumed that he or
Administrator and must do so at the earliest
she is continuing to attend lectures and intends
opportunity. It may be possible to grant a total
to sit examinations. This will have serious
or partial exemption, or to require other work
negative consequences:
in lieu of that which has been missed. In the
• the student will be regarded as having failed case of illness affecting a test, see the section
the subject or subjects concerned on special consideration.
• the failed subject will show as such on the
student’s academic transcript Special Consideration in the
• the failed subject will be included in the Grade School of Law
Point Average calculation Students who are prevented from completing
• the failure may have an effect on eligibility for a test or exam in a Law course, or whose
a student allowance performance has been impaired by illness, injury,
• the student may be in breach of the University’s bereavement or other critical circumstance may
academic progress regulations. See page 17. apply for Special Consideration for the work
concerned. A medical certificate for illness, or
Conditions for credit supporting documentation for bereavement
or other critical circumstances, is required in
Students are referred to the General Conditions
support of a Special Consideration application.
for Credit Regulations in the Calendar.
Special Consideration applies where a student
In the School of Law, the conditions for credit
has covered the work of a course but is prevented
vary from course to course. Students will be
by some impairment from demonstrating their
12 Bachelor of Laws, University of Canterburymastery of the material or skills at the time result, not appended Aeg.
of test or exam. It is not available where the For all final examinations or tests where a student
impairment affects the learning of material in has had an application for Special Consideration
courses. accepted, the student needs to give the Academic
Application should be made online to the Administrator and Honours Advisor formal
Secretary of the Special Consideration notice in writing (either by email or letter), by the
Committee, Student Services, within five working date specified in the acceptance letter, of their
days of the date of the test or exam. Please see decision to sit the special test or examination.
the Academic Administrator and Honours Advisor, All special tests/exams for Semester One
School of Law, for queries or assistance. Students courses will be held in the mid-semester break
wishing to apply for Special Consideration for any in Semester Two (usually late August). All
essay or assignment, must refer to the Extension special tests/exams for Semester Two/Whole
Procedures outlined in this Handbook. Year courses will be held in early February the
Aegrotat grades or passes may be awarded only following year.
where the Head of School is satisfied, on the basis In the case of any other major items of
of work done in the course and other related assessment (including non-final examinations,
courses, that the student would, in the absence in-class tests and take-home tests), the Head of
of the impairment, have clearly attained at least School retains discretion as to how to deal with
a pass. An Aegrotat Pass (Aeg P) may therefore the situation.
only be awarded where the student has been able
to complete a substantial part of the course, and For further details, including the need for
pass the assessment for it, at a satisfactory level. supporting evidence, and the right of appeal,
reference should be made to the University
For all 100-level, 200-level and 300-level courses, of Canterbury Calendar, Special Consideration
if a student has an application for Special Regulations.
Consideration accepted and is impaired for
the final examination or test, that student will It should be noted that in the case of assessed
normally receive either a No Change of Grade or work (quizzes, essays and assignments),
an Aeg P. Such students will also be offered the other than tests or examinations, a Special
option to sit a special test/exam. If the option Consideration application is NOT available in
to sit a special test/exam is taken, the grade the School of Law. In these situations the School
awarded in the special test/exam will replace the may offer an extension of time without penalty
result in the original test or examination. to complete the work. Please see below for
information in relation to Extension Requests.
For all 100-level, 200-level and 300-level courses,
if a student has an application for Special
Consideration accepted and is absent for the
final examination, or final test, that student will
normally receive no grade and will be required to
sit a special test or exam. The grade awarded in
the special test/exam will be released as the final
Bachelor of Laws, University of Canterbury 13Extensions in the School of Law Changes for work, social, sporting or other
Extensions of time without penalty for the recreational convenience are unlikely to be
submission of assessed work such as quizzes, accommodated.
essays and assignments may be granted in Any student who needs to change groups
exceptional circumstances, such as illness, injury, should see the School of Law Academic
bereavement or other unforeseen critical events. Administrator and Honours Advisor as soon as
Supporting documentation is required (eg, possible.
medical certificate in the case of illness) and must A student whose preparation for a tutorial is
be presented, with the application form, prior to inadequate or who fails to attend a tutorial may
the assessment due date. be required to do written work in lieu.
Extensions will not be granted because Course assessments
of pressure of university work, eg; several Most full year subjects in the School of Law are
assignments being due at the same time, or assessed by a test and final examination. In some
because of the demands of extra-curricular subjects, essay work instead of, or in addition
activities, eg; employment or sporting to the test, also counts towards the final grade.
commitments. Assignments, tests and examinations will only
Students must plan their year’s work to enable be assessed once. Re-submissions or re-sits are
them to meet their academic deadlines. not permitted.
Students are also advised that computer failure In some courses there are optional assessments
is unlikely to provide a sufficient reason for an which may contribute to the final grade.
extension save in exceptional cases. For some subjects, written work may be set
Decisions on applications for extensions which does not count formally towards the final
are made by the Head of School or their grade. Such work may, however, be taken into
delegated representative. Enquiries regarding account informally, and may improve a student’s
extensions can be made to either the Academic grade in cases where the formally-assessed work
Administrator and Honours Advisor or the School is marginal. The standard of the year’s work
of Law Administrator. Applications must be made may be particularly important if the student is
on the appropriate form (which can be obtained a borderline pass/fail candidate, and also in the
via the School of Law website - click here) and case of any student who has applied for a
emailed to the School of Law Administrator Special Consideration.
together with supporting documentation. Failure to submit compulsory written work and
complete it to the required standard may result
Tutorials in failure in the course.
If a subject includes tutorial teaching, all
students taking that subject must enrol in a Written course work
tutorial group. Students will be notified by email submission
when the online tutorial self-allocate system is Written course work, other than tutorial
available for students to choose their tutorial exercises, is marked anonymously in the School
group. Students who do not self allocate, will of Law. To facilitate this, please include your
be automatically allocated before tutorials student ID rather than your name on each page
commence. of all course assessments. A School of Law essay/
Students must attend the tutorial group in which assignment template should be downloaded and
they are enrolled. Students will only be permitted used for all such work. This has all the required
to change their tutorial groups in exceptional information including student ID, and formatting
circumstances and with the permission of the for essays and assignments. The essay template
Academic Administrator and Honours Advisor. is on the School of Law webpage, or on the
relevant Learn page.
14 Bachelor of Laws, University of CanterburyIn March each year an email is sent to all Law This is important information for all students
students stating the assessment methods for and outlines which assignments, tests and
Semester 1 and Whole Year courses in the School examinations will be used for final assessment,
of Law. In July each year an email is sent to all their relative percentage importance and when
Law students stating the assessment methods they will occur. This also details the pieces of
for Semester 2 courses in the School of Law. assessment in which students may apply for
either a Special Consideration or Extension of
Time.
In all LAWS courses, essays and assignments Word Count (incl. footnotes)
must be uploaded to Learn, as a .pdf document A penalty of 1% of the total marks available for the
by the required due date and time. piece of work submitted will be imposed for every
Late assignments must be uploaded to Learn and 1% (or part thereof) by which the work exceeds the
emailed to either the Academic Administrator specified word limit. A bibliography, if required, is
and Honours Advisor or the School Administrator. excluded from the specified word count for a piece of
The date and time it is submitted will be noted for work.
the Course Supervisors information and recorded.
See page 14 for information on Extension Internal reassessment
applications. Late work submitted outside of guidelines
office hours (8.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday) For internal assessment, such as tests, essays
must be emailed to the Academic Administrator and assignments, students have 5 working days
and Honours Advisor, who will print the paper after they are advised that the result is available
copy for marking. Written work uploaded to Learn to request a re-mark/reconsideration. The School
is for submission purposes or the submission of of Law process for this is as follows:
late work, and Turnitin and word length purposes • Student returns the marked work to the
only. Essays submitted late will be penalised - Academic Administrator and Honours Advisor,
see below. Marked course work will generally with a covering note outlining the reason(s) for
be handed back from the College of Business requesting a re-mark;
and Law Reception (Level 2). You must present • Once the re-mark is complete the Academic
your Student ID Card as proof of identity when Administrator and Honours Advisor will
collecting work. contact the student, via email, to advise them
of the re-mark decision and that the work is
Assignment deadlines available for collection from Reception.
Meeting assignment deadlines is an important For reconsideration of final exam grades,
part of a law degree. If a student cannot meet see page 17.
an assignment deadline for a good reason, they
may apply for an Extension (see page 14). Work
Formal examinations
Students’ attention is drawn to the following
handed in after the deadline (or the Extension
extract from the University’s Examination
deadline) will be subject to a penalty. The penalty
instructions “write clearly; illegible answers
will be 10% of the highest achievable mark for the
will not be marked”. Students should familiarise
assignment for work handed in within 24 hours
themselves with the examination instructions
after the deadline, and an additional 10% for
well in advance of sitting examinations – click
each subsequent 24 hours. If the work is handed
here. It is important to note that students must
in more than 72 hours after the assignment
not communicate with any examiner except
deadline, it will not be marked and receive a mark
through the Registrar (see University Calendar) in
of 0%.
the period between the end of examination and
the publication of results.
Bachelor of Laws, University of Canterbury 15Meaning of Grades
Min Short
Grade Fuller Description Level
Mark* Description
A+ 22.5/25 Outstanding/ All the following expected: 1st Class Honours
(90 – 100%) 18/20 Exceptional All major points identified and answered
correctly where appropriate. Alternative
arguments canvassed.
Originality evidence of significant reading
and thought
Very high standard of prose and
organisation
A 21.25/25 Excellent Nearly all of the requirements for an A+ 1st Class Honours
(85 – 89%) 17/20
A- 20/25 Extremely Meets most of the requirements for an A+ 1st Class Honours
(80 – 84%) 16/20 good
B+ 18.75/25 Very good Most major points identified and answered Second Class
(75 – 79%) 15/20 correctly Honours/Division 1
Confident control over the subject matter
Very good understanding
Very good prose and organisation
No confusion or irrelevant material
B 17.5/25 Good Good understanding, but not as secure as Second Class
(70 – 74%) 14/20 for B+ Honours/Division 2
B- 16.25/25 Reasonably As for B, but even less secure
(65 – 69%) 13/20 good
C+ 15/25 Competent Essential points identified and answered
(60 – 64%) 12/20 Basic understanding
A little confusion and irrelevancy tolerated
C 13.75/25 Passable About half of the issues answered correctly
(55 – 59%) 11/20 Basic understanding
Some confusion and irrelevancy tolerated
C- 12.5/25 Barely About half of the issues raised
(50-54%) 10/20 Passable Very bare understanding
Some confusion and irrelevancy tolerated
D 10/25 Poor Inadequate
(40 – 49%) 8/20 Confused
Significant gaps in understanding and
knowledge
E Unacceptable Very poor knowledge and understanding
(0 – 39%)
*
Minimum scores ignore rounding, which may lift some students.
16 Bachelor of Laws, University of CanterburyReconsideration of final grade satisfactorily in their non-law courses, in order to
Within 4 weeks of the date of publication gain a place in LAWS 200.
of final results, any student can apply for a (c) Transfer students
Reconsideration of Final Grade. This is done Admission to LAWS 200 depends on these
by submitting a form and paying a fee to the students’ academic records. Each applicant is
Examination Arrangements Senior Co-ordinator. asessed individually.
This will be refunded if the reconsideration (d) Graduate students
results in a change of grade. Graduate students enrolling in LAWS 101 and
LAWS 110 may be concurrently admitted to
Academic progress LAWS 200 courses. Admission depends on these
The Dean of Law is obliged to review the record students’ academic records. Each applicant is
of any student whose progress towards degree assessed individually.
completion is unsatisfactory. (e) Students Limited out of LAWS 200
It is deemed unsatisfactory if the student has Students who passed LAWS 101 and LAWS 110
not passed more than half the points for which previously but did not gain entry to LAWS 200
they were enrolled; or if they fail to pass half or and who have then undertaken a full-time year
more of the points for which they were enrolled of non-law study which contains a siginficant
in the last two years of study; or if they have element of advancing courses at 200 or 300-level
an overall GPA of less than 1.0; or if they have and who gained good results for the whole of
withdrawn from more than half of the courses in that year (normally a B average) may be admitted
which they enrolled in the preceding two years; or to LAWS 200.
if they have otherwise failed to demonstrate any (f) Special Applications
likelihood of success. Details of Te Tono Motuhēhē – Discretionary
Note: A year of study is any year in which the Application – and International Student Quota
student was enrolled for at least one course. places can be found on the School of Law
Students whose records are reviewed may be website. Applicants must have passed LAWS 101
declined further enrolment. For full details see and LAWS 110.
the Academic Progress Regulations – in the Application for enrolment details can be found
University of Canterbury Calendar. in MyUC. The LAWS 200 application closing date
Admission to LAWS 200 is published in the Guide to Enrolment and on
the School of Law website. Applications to enrol
courses must be lodged by this closing date.
The criteria for admission to LAWS 200 courses
are as follows: If you are seeking to enrol in LAWS 200s for the
(a) Continuing LAWS 200 students: first time in 2021 then apply as follows:
In order to be sure of continued admission to * Double degree fulltime students – at least
LAWS 200 courses, a student must have passed all three of LAWS 203, 205 and 206 [and add 204,
at least one half or a majority of the LAWS 200 if you want to be full time and working towards
courses in which the student was enrolled in their your LLB only in 2021]
most recent year of LAWS 200 enrolment. * Part-time students (whether double degree or
(b) LAWS 101 and LAWS 110 students not): at least one of 203, 205 and 206 only
Admission to LAWS 200 courses depends on * LLB only full time students: all four of LAWS
performance in LAWS 101, LAWS 110 and 203, 204, 205 and 206.
non-law courses. Approximately 200 LAWS If you are continuing in LAWS 200s in 2021 (i.e.
100-level students proceed to LAWS 200 each 2021 is not your first year of LAWS 200s) then
year. Accordingly, students normally need to be apply for all or some of your remaining LAWS
ranked in the first 200 in the LAWS 101 and LAWS 200s. Note that students may not enrol in any
110 examination results, and to have performed LAWS 300s unless they have they have completed
Bachelor of Laws, University of Canterbury 1775 points non law and either completed all their governing appropriate ways to acknowledge
LAWS 200s or are concurrently enrolled in their the work or part of the work of another person
remaining LAWS 200s. and these are set out in the New Zealand Law
Students will be notified by email in late Style Guide.
December of the decision on their application for • Submitting for credit in a course an essay
LAWS 200-level courses. or research paper which, although it is the
Dishonest or Improper student’s own work, is substantially the
same as work which has already been (or will
Practices be) submitted for credit in another course,
It is recognised that students will discuss whether in the School of Law or some other
course work and assignments with others, and department or academic institution.
such discussion is an important part of the • Copying the work of another student. This
learning process. However, any work presented includes copying the work submitted by
by a student for credit in a course must be that another student for credit for a course in the
student’s own original work. If students are School of Law or some other department or
directed to complete work submitted for credit in academic institution.
groups, the work submitted must be the original
work of the group. Work submitted in breach of • Knowingly allowing another student to copy
these requirements or which fails to comply with work which that other student then submits
other instructions contravenes the University’s for credit for a course in the School of Law.
Dishonest Practice and Breach of Instruction • Arranging for another person to complete
Regulations. Such work will either not be marked, work which is then submitted for credit for a
and all credit for the work in question forfeited, course in the School of Law. An example falling
or the matter will be referred to the University’s in this category is work submitted for credit
Proctor for investigation and possible referral to which has been obtained from a commercial
the University’s Disciplinary Committee. assignment completion service. Care must be
taken when using editing services as it is only
Penalties which may be imposed in the event
assistance with grammar, punctuation and
of a finding of dishonest or improper practice
expression that is permissible.
include loss of credit for a course or an item of
assessment and, in serious cases, suspension or • Completing work for another student which is
expulsion from the University. A record is kept then submitted by that other student for credit
of all instances of dishonest conduct. Students for a course in the School of Law.
who are involved in any disciplinary matter also • Including made up or fabricated material in
risk creating a situation in which the Dean of Law work submitted for credit for a course in the
is unable to give a Certificate of Standing for the School of Law.
purposes of admission to the Law Society.
• Collaborating in the preparation of answers for
Instances of dishonest or improper practice in take home tests unless advised otherwise in
coursework and assignments include but are not the take home test instructions.
limited to: If you are in doubt about any of the above with
• Plagiarism. Plagiarism means the dishonest respect to a particular course, you should discuss
presentation of work that has been produced the matter with the lecturer concerned.
by someone else as if it is one’s own. Please
See also the University Discipline Regulations,
note that the presentation of someone else’s
Academic Integrity and Breach of Instruction
work as one’s own, even without dishonest
Regulation and Academic Integrity Policy – refer
intent, may still constitute poor academic
to UC Calendar and UC website.
practice, and this may be reflected in the mark
awarded. There are academic conventions
18 Bachelor of Laws, University of CanterburyPrizes
Prizes are awarded to high achievers LexisNexis Prize in Legal Foundations, Research
and Writing for the top student in LAWS110.
in many Law courses each year.
LexisNexis Prize in Equity and Trusts for the top
The following is a list of the prizes awarded student in LAWS301.
annually. Prize winners are notified in December Macarthur Prize in Law for the top student in
each year. LAWS305.
Gold Medal in Law Mortlock McCormack Prize in Child and Family
A gold medal, presented by the Canterbury Law for the top student in LAWS309.
Branch of the New Zealand Law Society, is
awarded annually to the best student graduating New Zealand Insurance Law Association Prize in
LLB. The award is made on the student’s work Insurance Law for the top student in LAWS341
and examination marks during the whole of his/ Raymond Donnelly & Co Prize in Sentencing
her degree. Theory and Practice for the top student in
Advanced Land Law Prize for the top student in LAWS366.
LAWS393. Raymond Donnelly & Co Prize in Criminal Law
Anderson Lloyd Prize in Contract for the top for the top student in LAWS202.
student in LAWS203. Ross and Valerie Penlington Prize in Public Law
Anderson Lloyd Prize in Land Law for the top for the top student in LAWS 206.
student in LAWS205. Tavendale and Partners Prize in Commercial Law
Canterbury Law Review Prize I : Sales and Consumer Law for the top student in
The prize is awarded annually to the student who LAWS331.
produces the best research paper submitted to Tavendale and Partners Prize in Commercial Law
the Canterbury Law Review Committee. II : Personal Property Security and Credit for the
CCH New Zealand Limited Prize in Taxation for top student in LAWS332.
the top student in LAWS352. Taylor Shaw Prize in Individual Employment Law
Ewart Hay Prize in International Law for the top for the top student in LAWS363.
student in LAWS324. The Young Hunter Prize in Legal System: Legal
Gerald Orchard Prize in the Principles of Method and Institutions for the top student in
Evidence for the top student in LAWS307. LAWS 101.
Iain Johnston Prize in Law for the top student in Wynn Williams & Co Prize in Law for the top
LAWS310. student in LAWS 204.
John Burrows Prize in Media Law for the top Wynn Williams & Co Prize in Resource
student in LAWS396. Management Law for the top student in
Joseph Yates Prize in Trial Advocacy for the top LAWS376.
student in LAWS359.
Kathryn Dalziel Prize in Legal Ethics for the top
student in LAWS398.
Bachelor of Laws, University of Canterbury 19four cornerstones to well-being – physical, mental,
spiritual, and family health.
‘Not only does this align with other practices
within Corrections, but it indicates the overarching
theme and purpose of this guide, to focus on the
health and welfare of the individual employee and
how this can be balanced with the interests of the
Manager and their team.’
She built a lot of professional and self-confidence
from her internship, particularly around
interviewing skills, and project management.
‘It has helped me develop a set of skills that not all
‘To be given the opportunity to graduates would have had the chance to develop
head my own project, essentially in the conventional University course. Project
management is an area that one does not often
independently, is something not many get the opportunity to develop in the early stages
graduates have...’ of their career,’ she says.
Having had the opportunity to complete an Intern ‘By the end of the placement, I felt my self-
Consulting Project for her UC studies, Millie assurance had developed strongly. It was a
quickly built the skills and confidence she needed completely unique and foreign experience for
to launch into her career. me, which pushed me out of my comfort zone of
‘To be given the opportunity to head my own academic assignments.’
project, essentially independently, is something The results of her project were readily taken
not many graduates have,’ she says. ‘I became on board, and will feed into the Department of
extremely invested in the end result and Corrections’ nation-wide programme in this area.
passionate about the topic. An area I initially knew
‘This gave me a lot of pride and I finally felt
very little about, I now find myself particularly
extremely confident in the work I had produced for
interested and keen to consider a career in this
Corrections,’ she says.
area of employment law or human resource
management.’ To top it off, Millie was offered a graduate position
with law firm Russell McVeagh before finishing her
Her double degrees in Law and Commerce was the
degrees, as a result of her internship experience.
‘perfect combination’ for her MGMT 390 internship
Millie works in their Banking and Finance Team
project at the Department of Corrections.
on project financing, and also in mergers and
Millie’s project was to produce a guide for acquisitions for their Corporate Team.
managers in cases of medical incapacity – a
With all of her successes, Millie highly
situation where an employee is unable to fulfil
recommends other students take on an intern
their normal work duties due to a sudden illness
consulting project during their studies.
or injury.
‘If you get the opportunity to study this course,
This involved looking at documentation, as well as
absolutely take it on. What you will learn, develop,
interviewing individuals who are involved in some
and experience out of this course is unparalleled
aspect of the medical incapacity process, from
to any other courses at University and is totally
frontline managers through to welfare officers,
invaluable.’
and legal advisers, and external bodies such as
ACC representatives and Union reps. Millie Bidwill
One key element to her project was to incorporate Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce
Te Whare Tapa Whā, the Māori health model of the
20 Bachelor of Laws, University of CanterburyStudent support and wellness
Māori Development Team
of your time to helping others, 4) take notice of
At UC, te Ratonga Ākonga Māori | Māori Student
the simple things in life that give you joy and 5)
Development Team (MDT) offer support and
be open to new experiences and learning. Fitting
advice for all ākonga Māori. Our initiatives help
these principles into daily life, even in small ways,
ākonga Māori to succeed academically while
can help us cope with the demands of life.
encouraging personal growth and cultural
connectedness through the support of our own Sometimes we are tempted to cope with
unique hapori Māori here at UC. We encourage stress by doing things that provide short-term
you to make the most of the opportunities relief: procrastination, alcohol or drug misuse,
available. To find out more and connect with a withdrawing from challenges or even just staying
Kaipoipoi Student Development Advisor visit: in bed. Unfortunately, these approaches often
https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/support/akonga- create more problems in the long term, and it is
maori/ better to cope more actively.
Working out what is important to us and
Pacific Development Team committing to taking action towards meaningful
The UC Pacific Development Team offers pastoral personal goals, even when that is challenging, is a
care through two advisors who can help students more effective approach to take in life. This might
with almost everything! In addition there is a mean giving and receiving support, sticking
tutoring programme where students can gain to a study schedule, practicing assertiveness,
additional tutoring, as well as a mentoring following a healthy lifestyle, doing volunteer
programme. They also fill the year up with lots of work, being an active club member or engaging
fun events so keep an eye out! in other valued activities.
https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/support/pasifika/ Our university has some great resources to call
Coping well with stress while upon when the struggles are becoming too
much. You can talk to these members of staff in
studying the Law School: Professors Ursula Cheer, Lynne
Stress is a normal part of life that occurs when Taylor or Neil Boister.
we are taking on new challenges - an unavoidable You can, of course, speak to any other member of
part of being at university. staff if you would prefer that. You can also access
The study of law can be particularly demanding. the following via email:
A heavy workload, high expectations for • Counselling or medical care from UC Health
achievement, and competition between students Centre: healthcentre@canterbury.ac.nz
can result in a lot of pressure to perform well. • Advice and support from Student Care:
Friends and family can be supportive, but social studentcare@canterbury.ac.nz
life can be a source of stress in itself. • Advice and support from the Māori Student
While a moderate amount of stress is perfectly Development Team:
healthy, intense or prolonged stress can be a maoridevelopment@canterbury.ac.nz
problem worth doing something about. and the Pacific Development Team:
The Mental Health Foundation recommends five pasifika@canterbury.ac.nz
strategies to increase our resilience: 1) connect
with others, 2) be physically active, 3) give some
Bachelor of Laws, University of Canterbury 21You can also read
