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SYDNEY UNIVERSITY LAW SOCIETY 2021 FIRST YEAR GUIDE
A Ack
We acknowledge the traditional Aboriginal owners of the land that the
University of Sydney is built upon, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation.
now
We acknowledge that this was and always will be Aboriginal Land
and are proud to be on the lands of one of the oldest surviving cultures
in existence. We respect the knowledge that traditional elders and
Aboriginal people hold and pass on from generation to generation,
l
and acknowledge the continuous fight for constitutional reform and
edg
treaty recognition to this day. We regret that white supremacy has
been used to justify Indigenous dispossession, colonial rule and
violence in the past, in particular, a legal and political system
eme
that still to this date doesn’t provide Aboriginal people with
justice.
nts Many thanks to everyone who made the production and
publication of the 2021 Sydney University Law Society
First Year Guide possible.
Publications Director
Justin Lai
Design Director
Arasa Hardie
Editor-In-Chief
David Zhu
Editors
Kimberley Cheng
Jacinda Zhang
Ilona Ho
All contents © Sydney University Law Society Inc. 2021
All references to ‘Sydney University Law Society’ or ‘SULS’ refers
to Sydney University Law Society Inc., an incorporated charitable
association registered in the state of New South Wales.
This publication is copyright. Except where permitted under
the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this publication may be
reproduced or stored by any process, electronic or otherwise, without
the specific written permission of the Sydney University Law Society.
The views and opinions expressed in this publication do not
necessarily represent those of the Sydney University Law Society or
Sydney Law School.
Although the Editors have taken every care in preparing and writing
the Handbook, they expressly disclaim and accept no liability for any
errors, omissions, misuse or misunderstandings on the part of any
person who uses or relies upon it. The Editors and Sydney University
Law Society accept no responsibility for any damage, injury or
loss occasioned to any person or entity, whether law students or
otherwise, as a result of a person relying, wholly or in part, on any
material included, omitted or implied in this publication
2
CONTENTS
WHO IS A FIRST YEAR 6 SERVICES 38
LLB 6 Faculty Support 38
JD 6 SULS Equity 39
Transfer 6 Self-Care as Welfare 40
International 7 Fees & Financial Support 44
Student Bursaries 44
KEY DATES 7 Centrelink & Dept. of Human Services
Student Representative Council
45
46
What do I need to do? 7
Sydney University Postgraduate 46
Representative Association
NAVIGATING UNI 8 Further Support Services 47
ADMINSTRATION K
Finances
Enrolling
8
10
GETTING AROUND 48
Unexpected Academic Interference 14 CAMPUS U
Getting to Campus 48
ACADEMICS 16 The Law Library
Food & Drink
48
49
Course Rules 16
Study Spots 50
What is a Credit Point? 16
Living in and around University 53
What is a Major or Minor? 16
Degree Progression 17
Academic Tips & Advice 21 EXCHANGE 55
Referencing 25 Swapping Units for Exchange 56
Online Learning 27
Class Preparation & Lecture Notes
Academic Honesty
28
29
LAW INDUSTRY 57
Peer-Assisted Study Session (PASS) 30 BASICS
Appeals 30
Appeal Flowchart 31
APPENDIX 58
Sample Degree Progression 59
CO-CURRICULARS 32 Faculty Services 65
How do I have fun whilst I’m in Law 32 SULS Executive 66
School?
How can I develop my skills 34
professionally?
How can I contribute to the 36
community?
3
PRESIDENT’S
WELCOME
Welcome to Sydney Law School! study tips, access to support services
and most importantly, ways to make
Starting a new degree, especially if this your University years fun.
is also your first year at University,
W
is undoubtedly daunting. Foundies Publications like this handbook are
reader in hand, there is likely a just one of the many ways SULS helps
mixture of nerves and excitement enrich your LLB, JD or postgrad
as you attend your first lecture. experience. For first year students
The Sydney University Law Society specifically (COVID-19 pending),
(SULS) is here to support you every SULS runs LLB Law Camp, JD I
step of the way. SULS is the oldest, Drinks, a Welcome Party and the
largest and most active student Law School Basics Series. Many of
society on campus. By becoming a my closest friendships today were
SULS member (sign-up here: https:// born from these experiences!
www.suls.org.au/register), you will
be joining 2,500+ others in their If you have any questions, you can
access to 100+ programs, events and chat with us in-person in the SULS
initiatives. office (Room 103, New Law Building)
during our office hours from 10am-
Be sure to bookmark this file! The 2pm on Monday-Thursday, with
First Year Handbook will be an extended hours for part-time JD and
indispensable guide to navigating LLM students until 6pm on Tuesday.
your academic journey. I certainly For those studying remotely, we
wished it was available to me when I will be having Zoom and WeChat
first started 5 years ago. The inaugural office hours. Alternatively, shoot us
First Year Guide was launched in 2018 a message on our Facebook page or
to fulfill that exact need - to demystify via email. We are always here to help.
the often confusing world that is Law
School. Inside, you will find invaluable Wishing you all the best as you
information on degree progressions, transition into Law School. You got
this!
Wendy Hu,
President, Sydney
University Law
Society
4
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
FOREWORD
Law School. Those two words can cover everything that might happen Of course, thank you also to our
evoke excitement, anticipation, stress, throughout what is sure to be an brilliant Publications Director,
elation, and yes, sometimes fear. unpredictable year, but I hope that it Justin, whose guidance and support
will at least offer a good foundation was invaluable throughout this
But firstly, congratulations. You’ve from which to begin your long law whole process. We are similarly
worked so hard throughout high school journey. grateful to the SULS executives and
school to get the marks to get in, and other members who contributed to
now the real journey begins. This is So: grab some snacks, grab a drink, the guide or otherwise assisted.
going to be the most incredible time of and kick back. I hope you enjoy
your life up until now - it was certainly reading this guide as much as we did Lastly, to you, the reader - good
for me - and I encourage you all to compiling it. luck with your first year and for all
make the absolute most of it, because the years ahead. I hope this guide
it only comes around once. My thanks go out to my incredible will prove useful in those years and
editorial team of Ilona, Kim, and beyond.
In this guide, we hope to give you Jacinda for doing a fantastic job and
a sneak peek into all the potential giving up part of their holidays in order Happy reading!
ups and downs of your first year as a to do so; your passion and dedication
member of the Sydney University Law were essential to the compilation of
School. You’ll find study tips, the best this guide and I could not have asked David Zhu,
eats on campus, social opportunities, for a better group of editors to work Editor-in-Chief,
and plenty of very pretty diagrams with. 2021 SULS First
courtesy of our Design team. It won’t Year Guide
PUBLICATIONS
DIRECTOR FOREWORD
Welcome to Sydney Law School! and Jacinda, the executive members
As one of the largest societies on and students whose testimonials are
I must say my first year of law school campus, the position of SULS is invaluable, and work of previous
was something which I look back on important - not merely an avenue years’ Editors.
fondly. for fun social events, SULS provides
resources and support to students in As a first year, studying law at
I tried to do a moot, and failed. I need, and independently advocates university was completely uncharted
went to Law Camp, of which I’m for student interests. Being involved territory for me. I hope you consider
not going to speak of very much. I can range from attending events, the First Year Guide as a compass,
looked forward to Inter-Fac sport to joining a committee, or helping guiding you down the right paths,
on Wednesday mornings. I attended contribute to our extensive list of to the right people. I can confidently
several social events on the request publications. In whatever capacity say it is an excellent read - may it be
of others - the SULS Informal, a you decide to participate, I can say a useful one too!
handful of Campus events. All were you will not regret it.
organised by SULS, and all were an
Justin Lai,
absolute blast - helping me form some I must give special thanks to all of the
incredibly strong friendships in the Guide’s contributors - to the Editorial Publications Director,
process. Committee of David, Ilona, Kimberley, Sydney University
Law Society
5
WHO IS A FIRST
YEAR? in your 20-30s or mature-aged, we
warmly welcome you into the family!
As a first year JD student, you will
embark on your legal journey and
learn from the world’s leading law
LLB Student academics here at Sydney Law, whilst
W
developing your skills of analysis,
Welcome to your first year of university research, writing and advocacy.
and most importantly - Sydney
University Law School! We know you Transfer Student
worked really hard in the last year to
get here and while we can’t promise As a transfer student, even though
you won’t also work really hard here, you’ve experienced university before,
we want to help you get the most out of entering Sydney Law School for the
this new chapter in your life. We hope first time can be an intimidating
you are able to enhance your social, process. However, just like everything
professional, academic life or personal else in life, it just takes a little while
health and wellbeing in your first year, to get used to! Sydney Law School
regardless of the circumstances. You offers a great transfer program that
may find that it takes a little time to has always been popular with both
get used to the pace, independence, transfers from other universities
or rigour of university but you are and Sydney University students who
not alone in this transition. The best have decided to transfer courses. This
part about the first year of university means you are part of a very large
is you’re on the same boat as so many transfer cohort and not facing this
other students; get excited to embark journey alone! The altered degree
on this new chapter of your life with progression for transfer LLB students
the rest of your cohort. means you will be doing a mix of
first, second and third year units in
Juris Doctor your first year of law school, which,
ostensibly, can be quite challenging.
Maybe you’ve just completed a It’s recommended that you attend
Bachelor’s degree, or maybe you’re the SULS workshops, social events,
returning to university in order to competitions and moots held
pursue a graduate legal degree owing throughout the year as the best way to
to a newfound interest in the law or engage with the Sydney Law cohort.
as the perfect complement to your
professional career. The Sydney Law International Student
School JD cohort is extremely diverse
- whether you already have a degree G’day mate! Welcome to Australia!
(or multiple degrees!) in a different We understand how big of a leap it
field, are domestic or international, must have been to move countries for
university, especially during a time
like last year. Whether you haven’t
gone back to your home country for a
year or have lived here for a while, the
international student experience is
extremely unique. This however gives
you the opportunity to experience a
new culture and lifestyle for the next
three or five years. While you learn
to pick up the Australian slang and
accent, we also want you to know
about the support and guidance for
international students in the SULS
International Student Guide available
on suls.org.au/publications.
KEY DATES
To keep up with SULS events week to week, sign up to our Newsletter where general
announcements and events https://www.suls.org.au/register
SEMESTER 1 PREFERENCES SEMESTER 1 SCEHDULES RELEASED!
18th - 3rd 8th february
january february
We recommend you download your timetable
Enter your preferences for your academic
onto your own calendar to stay on top of it!
timetable early on according to your personal
timetable and preferences
WELCOME WEEK
Online or offline, be sure to stay tuned to
22nd - 26th events to get to know the law school and the
community
february
SEMESTER 1: 1st - 26th MID SEM BREAK
march june 2nd - 11th april
Semester 1 Payment Date
SEM 1 CENSUS DATE STUVAC
7th - 13th
31st june
International Students: 1st March
march
Semester 1 Payment Date Domestic If you want to drop or add a unit, we Semester 2 Preferences:21st June - 6th
Students: 19th March suggest you do it before the census July
date to avoid financial penalties.
9th - 4th
SEM 1 RESULTS
MIDTERM EXAMS SEMESTER 2:
RELEASED
15th - 26th 14th july august december
june MID SEM BREAK:
Semester 2 Payment Date SEM 2 CENSUS 27th June - 4th October
International Students: 4th
August
DATE STUVAC:
Check out the education guide
6th
15th - 21th November
on how to study for exams,
see more details here Semester 2 Payment Date FINAL EXAMS:
Domestic Students: 15th
August
september 22nd November-4th
December
CONGRATULATIONS ON FINISHING YOUR FIRST YEAR: 5TH DECEMBER
7
NAVIGATING UNI
ADMINISTRATION
PAYING FOR
A UNIVERSITY
A law degree isn’t cheap and there are a variety of processes you may have to
go through to fund your degree, depending on if you are a domestic student
or international student.
• For domestic students (Australian citizens), the Commonwealth
Government funds a large proportion of course fees, so that you only need
to pay for the remaining ‘student contribution fee’. Whilst you can choose
to pay these course fees upfront, most students prefer to defer payment
through the HECS-HELP loan scheme so that they don’t have to pay until
their income exceeds the threshold, which is $46,620 (from 1 July 2020)
and is indexed every year according to inflation.
• For international students, upon receiving your offer, you will be required
to pay a deposit equivalent to the course fees of your first semester. Moving
forward, before each semester, you will receive a financial statement which
requires you to pay the tuition for the upcoming semester by a payment
date to avoid sanctions. The payment date for semester 1 is March 1st
2021 and for semester 2, August 7th.
• If you are not an Australian citizen, or international student (New Zealand
citizen, Permanent residents, etc) scan the QR code for more information
about your uni finances.
Make sure you do all of the below will ask for it.
before the Census Date, which 3. Fill out a Request for
is Wednesday 31 March 2021 Commonwealth Support form
for Semester 1 and Monday 6th and submit it before the census
September for Semester 2. date. This form is provided to you
while you were enrolling into your
course online.
How do I apply for
HECS? You can always access this form later
by logging on to Sydney Student then
1. Check your eligibility - HECS is going to My Finance > Your Finances
available to all students with a > Government forms.
Commonwealth Supported Place A similar process occurs if you need
(CSP). If you’re unsure that you to borrow money for your Student
meet these requirements, you Services and Amenities Fee. On the
can check your eligibility at bit. same page, fill out a Request for SA-
ly/2DiMCUc. HELP assistance.
2. Apply for a Tax File Number
(TFN) if you don’t already have What happens next?
one - your enrolment will be
cancelled without it (if you do not Your debt will begin to accumulate - if
pay your contribution upfront) at any point your income exceeds the
and your application for HECS threshold, a percentage of it will go
8
towards paying off your debt. No For JDs: Only a limited number of
interest will be charged but your debt You keep talking CSPs are available to JDs, and you
will be indexed every year to reflect
inflation. You can find out more about
about the census must apply for this place through
UAC (UAC Code: 980200). Your ap-
repayments and other information date. What is this? plication will be assessed by merit,
here: bit.ly/1bleyxw. and accepting the Domestic Full fee
The census date is an important date place (UAC Code: 980205) will not
How do I pay up- set by the university - it is the last
day you can withdraw from a subject
prevent you from being offered a CSP
place. If you accept a Full fee place,
front? without incurring financial liability and you are a domestic student, you
and academic penalty. If you with- may apply for FEE-HELP. The pro-
You can pay for your fees upfront draw after the census date, you can- cess is largely the same as applying
through Sydney Student by going not get a refund for the course even if for HECS-HELP (previous page).
to My Finance > Your Finances. If you don’t finish it, and you will get ei-
you do not pay upfront before the ther a Discontinued Not to Count as
relevant census date, your fees will a Failure (DC) or a Discontinue Fail
automatically be deferred as a HECS- (DF) recorded on your transcript for
HELP loan, provided that you have the unit you withdrew from. The cen-
given the University your TFN. sus dates are Wednesday 31 March
2021 for Semester 1 and Monday 6th
September for Semester 2.
9
THE
STUDENT
CENTRE
The Student Centre is located in the
Jane Foss Russell Building, near the
Wentworth Building and City Road.
SYDNEY
They can assist with:
• Under ‘My Studies’, you can: • Enrolments, student cards, class
• Change the units you want to timetables, examination inquiries
• HECS and student fees
STUDENT
enroll in
• Apply for credit from • Calculator and dictionary
previous study/reduced certification for exams
volume of learning (RVL)
• Discontinue your course, However, due to COVID-19, the
suspend your studies or Student Centre is currently closed for
Sydney Student (sydneystudent. transfer courses in-person enquiries. Alternatively,
sydney.edu.au) is an online portal for • See your academic transcript you can contact them by:
all administration tasks. To briefly and final assessment marks • Calling 1800 SYD UNI (1800 793
break down the portal: at the end of semester 864) or +61 2 8627 1444 (outside
• Under ‘My Finances’, you can: Australia), Monday to Friday,
• Under ‘My Details’, you can: • See your fees and find out 9am-5pm.
• Update your personal details how to pay your fees • Making an enquiry online
(such as when you change • Update your bank details https://bit.ly/2MiJZHg
your address or phone to receive scholarships and
number) payments
The Student Centre
ENROLLING
You should have received
an email in your uni email
asking you to confirm
your place and enrol,
so follow the link and
enrol as soon as possible so that you Degree progression - You
have time to ask if there is anything will then be prompted to answer
you’re unsure about. Enrolment is questions, some of which involve
straightforward since you just follow degree progression. We recommend
the prompts online, but it can take you check out our degree progression
up to an hour. Here are some of the advice on pages 12 to 14. If you need
things that you will come across: to make changes, don’t worry. You
can also change your units at any time
UniKey - First, you retrieve your before the census date.
UniKey - this will be used to log in to
Sydney Student and the University
Wifi, so write it down or memorise it. Transferring Credit (Transfer
Students) - If you are transferring
10online process, usually at the end
of the enrolment form - make sure
to tick the box asking whether you
give permission for the University to
release your details to Transport for
NSW.
into the law school from a different Your timetable must be finalised by
degree/university, you will need to Friday 12 March 2021 (Semester 1) or
NOTE
apply for credit for previous study, Friday 20 August 2021 (Semester 2).
especially if you are choosing to
If you are a postgraduate
continue studying a previous degree
research student, a bulk of
alongside law. This ensures you
your course administration
don’t have to repeat similar units.
will be conducted through
To apply, log into Sydney Student,
the Higher Degree by
go to My Studies > Course Details >
Research Administration
then Application for credit and/or TIP
Centre (HDRAC). Your
reduced volume of learning (RVL).
relevant research periods
kicky.tools is a great USYD
will also affect how you
timetable planning app
conduct your enrolment.
Student card - This card is a form of that accesses set tutorial
For enquiries, please email
ID and is essential for you to attend and lecture times to help
the HDRAC at: hrdac.2@
exams, borrow books and access optimise your university
sydney.edu.au
buildings. If you use a concession timetable.
Opal card, you will also need to carry
your student card around so that
you can prove you are a student if a
Transport Officer asks. Keep it safe,
but if you lose it, you can replace it
for $25 at the Student Centre. This
year, due to COVID restrictions,
your student card should be posted HECS (domestic students) -
to you, and you must have it on you You will be prompted to pay for
on campus to access buildings. your enrolled units. Regardless of
whether you want to apply for HECS-
HELP, pay the fees upfront or are
Timetables - Every January funded by another scheme (such
and June, timetable preferencing as a scholarship), you should deal
opens up. Make sure you block out with your financial liability as soon
the times you wish to keep clear as possible. Similar schemes also
and choose the class times you operate for the Student Services and
prefer. Note that your selection is Amenities Fee (SSAF) with SA-HELP.
not guaranteed, and once you are
allocated a class, you often cannot
deviate from that selection unless Concession Opal - If you are eligible
you have permission from the Unit for a concession Opal card (Australian
of Study Coordinator to informally citizen/permanent resident and full-
do so, or unless you demonstrate time student), you can apply for one
special circumstances to the Student on Sydney Student. This is a quick
Centre: see bit.ly/2Fv7nN3.
11GETTING SPECIAL
CONSIDERATIONS
If your ability public transport delays, personal
Sometimes unexpected
I
to complete events, minor illnesses where you
events interfere with our assessments or are still capable of completing
academic studies. examinations
has been
assessments).
affected by
illness, injury or misadventure,
you should try applying for Special
Consideration (see following
flowchart). A successful application NOTE
will provide you an adjustment to
ensure fair academic treatment. If you have an ongoing
However, we encourage you to still condition or illness that
complete the exam/assessment to the affects your ability to
best of your ability just in case your study, you should instead
application is rejected. register with Disability
Services in order to
Make sure to apply for Special receive adjustments from
Consideration no more than 3 the University. For more
working days after the assessment for information and how to
which you were affected, and try to get in contact, please see
document your reasons as thoroughly bit.ly/2swzRxn.
as possible. If you are applying for
medical reasons, the University has a
particular “Professional Practitioners’
Certificate” that is required, which
may be accessed at bit.ly/2QQDg3P.
Some applicable circumstances
include:
• Short term illness or injury TIP
• Personal misadventure of a
family member or close friend A simple extension of up to
• Death of a family member or two days can be provided
at the discretion of the
close friend
Unit of Study Coordinator.
• Unexpected primary carer
The Law Faculty generally
responsibilities doesn’t provide these, so
• Attendance at a funeral of a it can be worth applying
family member or close friend for special consideration
• Natural disaster regardless of how minor the
• Limited COVID-19 impacts circumstance. Your other
(e.g. eviction, loss of job, family degree, however, may offer
member death) simple extensions. You may
apply for a simple extension
• Must be out of your control and;
by approaching your Unit of
• Seriously impacted your ability to
Study coordinator by email.
complete the assessment/exam More information on simple
extensions can be found at
Circumstances considered reasonably bit.ly/2QOPHgJ.
within your control will not be
considered sufficient to apply (e.g.
12HOW TO APPLY FOR SPECIAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Prepare a short statement
Gather all supporting Access your special
that describes the impact of the
documentation. For a full considerations
illness, injury or misadventure.
list of accepted documents, student dashboard
Be as specific as possible, using
click here here
dates.
Tick the checkbox
confirming you have Select ‘Continue’ at Select ‘New
supporting documentation the Privacy notice Application’
to upload and click ‘Begin
Request’
Fill in the Fill in Assessment
application details, details. If you
Attach supporting
including your are filling in the
documents
prepared statement. application more
than 3 working days
after the assessment,
you must provide a
reason.
Outcome received
in University email
account. Most are Read the
processed within four declaration and
working days. submit
Successful Denied
The e-mail will inform you The e-mail will inform you of your options and
of the adjustment made. why the application was declined.
You may receive further • If the application omitted important
information on how your information or documentation that
adjustment will work. supports your case, you are encouraged to
re-apply with this additional information.
• If you have further questions about
the reasoning behind the unsuccessful
application, or have not received a
response in four working days, make an
online enquiry.
13by unforeseeable circumstances which
impact your ability to continue a unit,
you will need to apply to discontinue
DISCONTINUING
directly to the Law Faculty. You will
need to show that these were ongoing
circumstances that were beyond your
A UNIT
control and that you had reasonable
prospects of passing the subject, for
to “Units of Study” under the “My example if you had received a pass
Studies” tab. grade in a mid-semester assessment
or assignment. If successful, you may
If you want to drop out of the unit af- be eligible for a fee refund. For more
ter the census date, you will need to details, see bit.ly/2FxxJy7.
You may, at some stage, find that apply for a “Discontinuation - Not
you no longer want to study a unit to Count as Fail” up to seven weeks
you have chosen or that you would into the semester. This will appear
be better off studying it later in your on your transcript as “DC”, and won’t
degree. If that is the case, try to with- affect your Weighted Average Mark
draw (discontinue) the subject prior (WAM). However, you may still be
to the census date to avoid academic liable for tuition fees. For further de-
or financial penalties. You can with- tails, see bit.ly/2FEyS6g.
draw from a Unit of Study through
the Sydney Student portal, by going After this deadline, if you are affected
Being a student does not mean
SUSPENDING
YOUR STUDIES
you are bound to study non-stop
for the duration of your degree -
by suspending your studies for a
semester or more, you can take
a break and return to studying
later. You must be sure to apply for
suspension and enrol before the
census date, as your candidature will
lapse and you will be unable to re- NOTE There are additional requirements
apply for the combined degree. that you will need to be aware of
There is a one year limit when suspending a degree in Law.
on suspensions, subject Applications for suspensions are
JDs: If you are a JD student, you are to other conditions. For
unable to suspend in the first year of completed through Sydney Student,
more information, refer and it is recommended that this is
your full-time study, or the first two to the University Course-
years of part-time study. However, you done prior to the census date so that
work Policy: bit.ly/38ZU-
are able to suspend for an aggregate of JkP. you are not liable for any penalties.
two calendar years in total. For more details, please see bit.
ly/2SX5rzX.
14DISCONTINUING
YOUR COURSE
If you do decide to withdraw from your
This is effectively dropping out of degree completely, we recommend
the entire degree you are currently discussing such a pivotal decision with
studying, ending your current a course advisor in case you might be
enrolment. You may need to do this TIP
able to manage your unit load. You
if you wish to transfer into another could also consider suspending your
course (For example, discontinuing If you are transferring
courses, you can request studies instead. If you discontinue
Commerce/Law to study Science/ after the relevant census date,
Law), or decide to withdraw from a course transfer in
Sydney Student, under academic and financial penalties may
tertiary study completely. apply. All applications to discontinue
My Studies > Course
details > then Request are made through Sydney Student.
Course Transfer. See more For more information, please see bit.
information about this at ly/2CpukgU.
bit.ly/2VXz8mE.
15ACADEMICS
A
At SULS, we want to see every student
succeed. This section includes What is a credit point? What is a major/minor?
information on degree progression,
academic advice for your first-year A credit point is just how the study Majors and minors are your specialised
subjects, assessment tips and a quick load of a unit is measured. Most units areas of study in your non-law degree.
AGLC referencing guide. are generally 3 or 6 credit points They are a group of units that help
(however, most Open Learning you develop a depth of expertise in
Due to the current pandemic, there Environment units (OLE) are 2 credit one academic discipline. Majors are
may be changes on very short notice points), and the standard full-time your primary focus, whilst Minors are
to the availability of units and unit load is 24 credit points a semester the secondary focus e.g. Marketing,
of study details, including mode of (around 4 units of study). Biology or Chinese Studies. For more
delivery and assessments. For the information on Majors and Minors,
most up-to-date information, be sure check out the Sydney University
to check your degree handbooks at Interdisciplinary Studies Handbook
Sydney University Handbooks 2021 2021 - About Majors and Minors.
and unit of study details in the
unit outline provided to you at
the start of each unit and continue
to check for changes throughout the
semester. Bachelor of Laws Combined Degree Progression
BACHELOR OF To make degree-planning easier,
we’ve included sample degree •
2000- or 3000- level units)
OLEs (from Table O)
LAW COMBINED progression guides for Bachelor of •
Arts/Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of
Dalyell Scholars units (from Table
D, if you are undertaking that
DEGREE Commerce/Bachelor of Laws and
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws
program)
As an LLB student, you will generally students in the Appendix. When
study one to two law subjects every filling it out, make sure you include:
semester in the first three years of
your degree (in addition to Legal • Compulsory core units (e.g.
Research), with the majority of BUSS1000 and BUSS2000 TIP
your subjects derived from your for Bachelor of Commerce; or
minimum mathematics and If you’re going on
other degree in Arts, Commerce,
junior units for Bachelor of exchange, be sure
Economics, Engineering or Science. to double check the
However, combining it with Law may Science)
necessary requirements
affect the flexibility of your degree • Your Major’s Introductory units
for degree progression as
progression and lots of opportunities (usually 1000-level units) - it may differ for you.
are available even after you’ve chosen usually completed in your first
your degree. As such, it’s super year
important to plan ahead! • Your Major’s other units (usually
16JURIS DOCTOR • From Year 2 Semester 2 (full-
time) or Year 4 Semester 2 (part-
Whether you are commencing your time), you may be able to swap
study in-person or remotely due to the one core unit for an elective,
pandemic, you’ll be immersed into as and choose to complete the core
much law as you can handle from subject later on in your degree.
NOTE the outset. The Sydney JD program
develops your analysis, research, Juris Doctor Progression
writing and advocacy skills through
Your non-Law degree
a focus on international, comparative (Full-time)
typically requires you to
take a minimum number and transnational aspects of law.
For more information on the course, All full-time JD students will complete
of intermediate or senior Foundations of Law (LAWS5000) on
units (2000 or 3000-level please see Juris Doctor.
an intensive two-week basis prior to
units), so make sure you your first semester at Sydney Law
fulfil those requirements! Juris Doctor Degree School. You are also required to
Although it is not essen-
tial to select second- or
Progression complete Legal Research (although
0 credit points) in your first year, in
third-year electives in the order to complete your degree. On
The JD consists of 144 credit points
first year of your degree, the next page is a typical example of
or 24 units of study in total. Each unit
it is important to allocate a degree progression for a full time
is worth 6 credit points. Check out the
space in your progression JD student, undertaking a total of 48
appendix for an empty full-time JD
for these units. For all the credit points per year.
degree planner
course rules and details,
check out the Sydney Uni- COVID-19 update: You may be
• Refer to the Handbook for
versity Handbooks 2021. able to undertake 3 units of study
more updated and accurate
information on requirements for per semester, but remain on a full-
degree progression and electives: time load. Contact the Law School
Juris Doctor - Sydney Law School. academic advisor to discuss your
• You may select Master’s units of study options
Check out the SULS Education study as electives, but they must
Guide on suls.org.au/publications not exceed a total of 24 credit
for more information on credit points (i.e. 4 subjects)
points and degree progression.
YEAR 1
SEM 1 Foundations of Law Torts Contracts Criminal & Civil
Procedure
Legal Research
SEM 2 Criminal Law Torts & Contracts II
Public International
Law
Public Law
YEAR 2
Introduction to
SEM 1
Federal
Administrative Law Property & The Legal Profession
Constitutional Law
Commercial Law
SEM 2 Corporations Law Equity Evidence Real Property
YEAR 3
Private International
SEM 1 Law
Law Elective Law Elective Law Elective
SEM 2 Law Elective Law Elective Law Elective Law Elective
17Juris Doctor Progression
(Part-time) NOTE
Part-time JD students will study You must pass all Year 1
Foundations of Law (LAWS5000) and 2 core units of study
for the entirety of Semester 1. Below before proceeding to Year
is a typical example of a degree 3, and you may not enrol
progression for a part-time JD in more than two electives
student undertaking 4 units of study in Year 4.
per year.
YEAR 1
Legal
SEM 1 Foundations of Law Torts
Research
SEM 2 Public International Law Public Law
YEAR 2
SEM 1 Civil & Criminal Procedure Contracts
SEM 2 Criminal Law Torts & Contracts II
YEAR 3
Legal
SEM 1 Adminstrative Law Federal Constitutional Law
Research II
SEM 2 Corporations Law Evidence
YEAR 4
Introduction to Property &
SEM 1 Commerical Law
The Legal Profession
SEM 2 Equity Real Property
YEAR 5
SEM 1 Private International Law Elective Unit
SEM 2 Elective Unit Elective Unit
YEAR 6
SEM 1 Elective Unit Elective Unit
SEM 2 Elective Unit Elective Unit
18What happens if I fail a unit?
What can I do if I fail a unit?
NOTE
You should always consult Law School
FAILING AN ASSESSMENT after failing a unit for advice on the best
OR UNIT course of action to minimise disruption to
There may be changes to
availability of Summer/
your degree progression. You may want
Winter School in the future
to consider repeating the unit in Summer
i.e. cancellation of Summer
or Winter School so as to avoid extending
School 2020-2021, so be
your degree, but note that you will still
sure to check for updates
be required to pay for the unit despite
with Law School.
failing it, and the costs of repeating the
same unit.
MAKE AN ACADEMIC See Appeals Process.
APPEAL
Make sure you enrol in units of study
CHECK COURSE REQUIREMENTS that meet your course requirement
IN THE RESOLUTIONS IN YOUR
COURSE HANDBOOK International Students
If you’re not meeting your course
requirements, the University is
required to notify the Department
of Home Affairs. This may have an
affect on your student visa status
• Law Academic Advisor • Counselling &
Undergraduate: Psychological Services
ADVICE & SUPPORT law.professional@sydney.edu.au • SRC (undergraduate) -
Postgraduate:
Caseworker Help service
law.postgraduate@sydney.edu.au
• SUPRA (postgraduate)
- Student Advice and
Advocacy Officer Service
For more information, please visit Staying on Track with your studies.
19What happens if I make
Unsatisfactory Academic Progress?
You are not meeting academic progression
UNSATISFACTORY requirements if:
ACADEMIC PROGRESS • Semester average mark isACADEMIC TIPS
AND ADVICE
More tips and advice to third parties and vicarious, joint
Here are some tips in the
M
can be found in the and several liabilities.
core subjects you will SULS Education
be studying in your first Guide on suls.org.
au/publications or
TIPS:
• Notes - Note down the key facts
year. grab a hard copy at and ratio decidendi in every case;
the SULS office. create mind maps of the law as
well as scaffolds. Keep the ‘big
LAWS1006/LAWS5000 picture’ of the course in mind
when structuring your notes.
Foundations of Law • Assessments are mostly based
on answering problem questions
‘Foundies’ gives an overview of the – that is, the application of legal
history of the legal system in Australia, principles to often complex and
which has been heavily influenced lengthy factual scenarios. This is
by British Colonialism, Aboriginal where scaffolds come in handy.
customary law, the Constitution and • Facts can be quite complex and
international human rights. involve multiple parties. Make
sure you draw clear flow-charts
TIPS: of what’s happening to whom
• Use sticky notes and highlighters to help understand the problem
as you read the textbook and question.
reader because those quotes and • There are a lot of cases in Torts, so
sources can be very helpful in make sure you’re revising across
your assignments. the semester and keeping your
• Practice identifying the ratio memory of the content fresh!
decidendi in case law judgments
as well as interpreting statutes–
this will be helpful in future law
subjects. LAWS1015/LAWS5002
• Be committed to the unit and Contracts
make sure you go to the lectures
and tutorials. Foundies is a Contracts refer to binding agreements
wonderful way to start meeting with a legal obligation. This unit
people in your cohort! provides the legal background in the
• The reader is huge and don’t creation, terms, performance, breach
beat yourself up if you don’t get and discharge of a contract.
through the whole thing.
TIPS:
LAWS1012/LAWS5001 • There are many differences in
opinion on rules of law according
Torts to different judges or courts.
• Distinguish yourself in your
Torts introduces liability for civil written answers by showcasing
wrongs. It goes through elements of the diversity of opinion, choose
intentional torts, action on the case, one stance and justify why you’ve
the tort of negligence, compensation chosen it.
21• In lectures, pay attention to
the commentary your lecturer General
provides. It is often useful for
how to organise your answers Assessment
Advice
and knowing which cases are
more important. Practice makes perfect
The way that law is applied as
Assessments in the Law School knowledge is quite unique, and the
LAWS1014/LAWS5003 comprise of take-home assignments most effective way to develop them
and exams. is actively applying these skills.
Civil and Criminal Competitions such as mooting are a
Procedure different, interactive way of developing
these skills beyond past exams and
CCP explains how to commence practice problem questions.
civil and criminal actions, case
management, gathering evidence and
rules of privileges, as well as police ABC
123
powers, bail and sentencing.
Know your due dates
TIPS: Especially first year JD students
• This unit features an open book who will be managing a full-time
final exam which means notes load entirely within the Law Faculty!
must be concise and orderly. Word Count
Generally, there is a mid-semester Make sure you stick to any word
• The Civil and Criminal parts of block of assessments, and then the
the unit are quite different, so count restrictions! Law School is not
final examination period. Ensure that as generous as the other Faculties,
it’s worth assembling a separate you plan to accommodate for any
folder for each. so your assignment/exam will not be
clashes early enough in the semester. read beyond the specified word limit.
• For Civil, summarise the contents
of the various Acts and the You may also be penalised for going
circumstances in which appeals over the specified word limit e.g. 10%
are possible (preferably in a table penalisation for every 100 words over.
form).
• As you progress, don’t forget to
note down the section numbers
and case names. Never too early to start
Don’t wait until you “learn more
content” to start mid-semester
assignments, or a more “appropriate”
Deadline
time in the semester to start your
Unless you obtain an extension, the
exam notes. You are always able to
Law School will generally enforce
read ahead to gain more knowledge,
a 10% penalty (or 20% penalty
and the more work you do now, the
depending on the assessment) for each
less work you have to do later.
day you submit an assignment late (be
aware of the 11:59 deadlines as even
12:00 will result in the deduction).
Review, review, review
Going over your work (whether with
your own eyes or asking a friend) will
also give you a better idea of whether
Set aside enough time to check
you have structured and expressed
your work
your knowledge in an effective way.
Set aside a good amount of time to
edit your work so that you can iron
NOTE: Be aware of the University’s
out mistakes and improve content.
policy on Academic Honesty when
You don’t want to lose marks on small
discussing assessment work with
things like punctuation, grammar
a friend. For more information,
and referencing! NOTE: AGLC has
please see Academic dishonesty and
different requirements depending on
plagiarism.
what you’re citing.
22times and pick out key facts linking
Essays to principles of law. Remember to
own words to demonstrate your
understanding. It may be helpful to
identify the material facts - examiners understand the procedural history
Essays involve crafting a sophisticated can be tricky and put in red herrings. and read the judgments of the courts
argument in relation to an often However, be wary as most facts in below (if there are any) to get a grasp
ambiguous area of law. As you problem questions are not put there of the matter. It may also be useful to
have been given time to prepare in for no reason. For take home problem consider policy considerations and
an assignment, you are expected questions, ensure that you read the social factors at the time which
to extensively research the law by the relevant cases as thoroughly as may have potentially influenced the
reading, citing and even quoting from possible and consider the reasoning Judges’ ruling.
cases and journals. of both the majority and dissenting
Exams
judgments.
A good first step is analysing the
question and finding instructive
keywords which hint at the marker’s What is IRAC? Law exams are very intense as you
expectations. Take-home essays often are expected to push out quite a bit of
involve research in areas that may not Most lecturers recommend that you information and knowledge within a
be covered in class so considerable follow the IRAC acronym (Issue, very limited period of time. You will
research is necessary to demonstrate Rule, Application and Conclusion) develop a study routine that will work
comprehensive knowledge on the for each legal point, but it is vital to best for you - there are no hard and
topic. As you conduct your research also include the authority for the rule fast rules as to how much you must
and familiarise yourself with the (usually an important case which study every day. However, we do have
major cases and their judgments considers the principle or legislation). some general advice below that may
(including dissenting judgments), be helpful for first-years adjusting to
consider the arguments that you • Use headings and identify the legal examinations.
want to pursue and prioritise them by parties involved (e.g. Smith v
strength. Blue) – note headings should For more information on exams,
comply with Australian Guide to check out the SULS Education Guide
Your essay should be structured to Legal Citation page 34, r [1.12]. at suls.org.au/publications and
include: • Don’t invent facts or repeat them the Sydney University’s website on
• Introduction (addressing unnecessarily in your analysis– Exams.
the question asked with an use what you have been given.
overarching thesis and providing • Raise all the issues but allocate
a roadmap or overview for your sufficient space depending on
essay) their importance and contention.
• Body (providing your arguments • Note dissenting judgments
– it is imperative to reference with ‘Cf’ or ‘Contra’ because
cases, legislation and readings in this demonstrates an in-depth
every paragraph and link them understanding (but do not do
back to your thesis statement) this too often as your word count
• Conclusion (where you restate is limited) – see Australian Guide
your thesis and succinctly to Legal Citation page 7, r [1.2].
summarise your arguments) • Briefly note the consequences if
you reach a different conclusion
(e.g. “if I am wrong and causation
is satisfied…”)
TIP
Case Notes
Reference as you go
so that you can add Case notes involve summarising or
pinpoints, and make sure analysing a court’s judgment. These
to use the latest version assessments focus on your ability to
of the AGLC (see the understand legal material and pick out
section on Referencing in
the most important elements. Thus,
this guide).
a comprehensive understanding is
required of the case.
Make sure you understand the
difference between ratio decidendi
Problem Questions and biter dictum, and summarise
the judicial officer’s reasons. Whilst
Problem questions involve applying it may be easy to use words or
the law to a set of facts. To start, phrases from the court’s judgment,
you should read the problem several it is important that you use your
23• Allocate writing time to each
More pain during semester, question/section of the exam
more gain during exams according to how many marks
they are worth, not how long you
The more conscious time spent think it would take to answer the
with legal content, especially question fully.
during semester, the better you will • Sketch the structure of your long
perform. Though it’s tempting to responses in reading time so that
say that “I’ll catch up later because you may keep yourself on track
I have time coming up to exams,” it during writing time.
is almost never the case. Diligently
TIP compiling your examination notes Closed-book Exams
means further time to review them,
Always a good idea to and therefore ensuring that they are Most of you would be familiar with
review your assessment accurate and useful. the “closed-book” exam format,
tasks for feedback so you which heavily relies on content
know where to improve Use reading & writing time memorisation. Lecturers may
for next time. If it is an effectively provide a case list and/or statutes
assignment, you will be within the exam itself, and this
notified on Canvas when • Exams will generally provide may be made known to students
your assignment mark a short period of reading time beforehand. If provided, take the
and feedback is released. (where you will probably opportunity to use that list as the
If it is an examination, you be allowed to plan out your outer limits of the subject that you
need to submit an Exam responses on the examination will need to familiarise yourself with.
Script Request at https:// paper/your own paper), followed Doing practice exams and problem
bit.ly/2HprZbo after your by a longer period of writing time. questions repeatedly will help you
mark has been released. • Use this opportunity to carefully recall important issues, which will aid
read the paper and its questions with constructing a response within a
carefully; marks are easily lost time-pressured environment.
through mundane carelessness
such as getting the name of a Open-book Exams (Online/In-
party wrong on the facts. person)
• Is it a problem question, or is it
an essay response? Depending Open-book exams are self-
on the type of question, your explanatory. Generally, you will be
response will need to be planned able to use your own materials during
and constructed differently. the exam (subject to conditions
depending upon the unit of study),
whether you’re sitting for it online or
in-person.
First year law students may
sometimes get lulled into a false sense
of security and rely upon their notes
too much, rather than committing
the subject content to memory. Make
sure your exam notes are concise and
well-structured, and that you know
where information is placed within
your notes when you spot issues/
questions within the exam. It is very
discouraging during the course of
the exam to lose track of where your
content is, then have to burn time
24Referencing
You can find the common rules
in the Australian Guide to Legal
Citation (AGLC). The latest edition
is the AGLC 4th Edition which can
be accessed at AGLC4 - download.
We’ve listed below some quick tips on
citations!
A Quick Guide to AGLC4
Rules about... Found at...
within the exam to find it. Keeping Footnotes Page 1, r [1.1]
in mind of the limited tablespace
during the actual physical exam, so Citing subsequent references Page 9, r [1.4]
make your notes as accessible and
convenient as possible. Quoting Passages Page 15, r [1.5]
With online open-book exams Headings and titles Page 34, r [1.12]
becoming a norm in the online
learning environment, here’s a quick Bibliographies Page 35, r [1.13]
overview on how they are generally
run: Cases (General) Page 39, r [2]
• Exams are typically released on
Canvas at the specified exam- Cases (Pinpoint referencing) Page 52, r [2.2.5]
release time (NOTE: check unit of
study exam cover sheet released Cases (Identifying judicial officers) Page 58, r [2.4]
prior to the exam date).
• Download the pdf of the exam. Legislation Page 67, r [3.1]
• Complete the assessment within
the specific time-limit (NOTE: Journal articles Page 91, r [5]
You need to submit before the
deadline to not be listed as LATE Books Page 98, r [6]
by Canvas i.e. If the deadline is at
12:00pm, you should submit by Speeches Page 113, r [7.3]
11:59:59 am).
• Upload your exam answer in Internet materials Page 130, r [7.15]
word document format onto the
specified Canvas exam site. Treaties Page 133, r [8]
Take-home Exams UK Cases Page 251, r [24.1]
These are exams where you are given
a certain period (generally around
a week) to complete the exam “at
home”, rather than in a formal
setting. Again, the extra time may lull TIP TIP
students into a false sense of security;
however, you should prepare for these Remind your housemates, Conduct a final check
exams as you would for other exams, friends, family to not of your exam set-up
interrupt you during the
as there will be no time to revise i.e. equipment is set up
exam and to stay off the
content during the “writing” period. correctly, restart your
internet.
Read the details of the examination computer and close any
carefully, as they may also incorporate If something happens and unnecessary programs.
elements of research alongside a you’re unable to complete
problem question, and they will most your exam, you will be Find a quiet space to sit
likely need to be referenced according able to apply for Special the online exam.
to the Australian Guide to Legal consideration.
Citation, unlike formal exams
25Citing the Constitution Citing Cases
See AGLC4, page 76, r [3.6] See AGLC4, page 39, r [2]
Examples: Case Name (Year) Volume Law Report Series
Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 (Imp)
Starting Page, Pinpoint.
63 & 64 Vict, c 12, s 9.
Australian Constitution s 51 (ii).
Constitution.
• Using any one of the above is acceptable provided Examples:
that there is no ambiguity about which constitution is Mabo v Queensland (No 1) (1988) 166 CLR 186, 216
being cited (think about your word count!). (Brennan, Toohey and Gaudron JJ).
• Pinpoint references are the same as for legislation Hollis v Vabu Pty Ltd (2001) 207 CLR 21, 37 [35].
below (e.g. Constitution s 51(xx)).
• This is the general rule for citing the Commonwealth
Law Reports (for High Court), New South Wales
Law Reports (for Supreme Court of NSW) and
Federal Court Reports (for Federal Court). Note that
Citing Legislation
referencing may be different for reports from other
states or international jurisdictions.
• If the plaintiff or defendant are people, only include
See AGLC4, page 67, r [3.1] their surnames.
• It is optional to include the judicial officer/s’ names. If
you do, write the judicial officer/s’ surname and then
an abbreviation e.g. (Gageler J). See AGLC4 page 59
Title Year (Jurisdiction) Pinpoint. for all abbreviations. The first example shows how
joint judgments are cited e.g. (Brennan, Toohey and
Gaudron JJ).
• Note, the old (and incorrect) format looked like this:
Mabo v Queensland (No 1) (1988) 166 CLR 186 at 216
Examples: per Brennan, Toohey and Gaudron JJ. AGLC4 does
Civil Liability Act 2003 (NSW) s 3(1)(a). not use ‘at’ or ‘per’ in citing cases.
Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) s 223(1).
• Note that the year is italicised but the jurisdiction is
Citing Journal Articles
not (not Crimes Act 1900 (NSW))
• For jurisdiction, ‘Cth’ for Acts passed by the
Commonwealth Parliament, ‘NSW’ for the New South
Wales Parliament. See AGLC4, page 91, r [5]
• Pinpoint references should comprise an abbreviation
of a designation and a number, separated by a space
(not s.45 nor s45).
• Subsections should be placed in parentheses Author, ‘Title’ (Year) Volume Journal Title
immediately following the section number without a Starting Page, Pinpoint.
space (not s 21 (2)).
Examples:
TIP Justice Michael McHugh, ‘The
Judicial Method’ (1999) 73 Australian
There are often many versions Law Journal 37, 41.
of a major case and hence many George Williams, ‘High Court
different citations for it. As a Appointments: The Need for Reform’
rule of thumb, it’s best to cite (2008) 30 Sydney Law Review 161.
the most authoritative version,
which is usually an authorised
report, e.g. CLR for the High You need to cite the full title of the
Court and NSWLR for the journal (e.g. not ALJ for Australian
Supreme Court of NSW. To read Law Journal).
up more on this go to page 54, r
[2.2.7], in the AGLC4 guide.
26ONLINE LEARNING
Sydney Law School, your class resources, including your
The pandemic brought
S
however, luckily, has online lecture recordings, discussion
a lot of changes to been able to adopt a groups, unit of study outlines and
Sydney Law School, most hybrid of online and
offline components
readings. It is also where online exams
take place, and where you will submit
prominently, the switch to account for its your assignments. It is accessible at
to online classes. students’ needs. Your first semester https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/
may be all online, offline, or a mix
of the two, but chances are, you will SCAN HERE
need to be familiar with accessing
online learning materials. TO ACCESS
CANVAS
WEBSITE
Class Structure
Lectures: Currently, given the health
situation, the Sydney Law School will
most likely be offering all its lectures Zoom
online via recordings. You can access
your weekly lecture recordings on Zoom is USYD’s primary video
Canvas (see below), and you will conferencing program used to access
be expected to have watched them all online classes and live lectures.
before your tutorial/seminar. Be sure To access an online class, you must
to check your unit of study outline to first download Zoom from the links
ensure you are watching the lectures provided here. Then login to Zoom
corresponding to the week its content with your USYD student email
is covered in class. It should be noted address. Some online classes will
that some lectures are live, meaning prevent access from private accounts.
you will have to enter the Zoom Call at Then click the Zoom link provided by
a particular time, with a link supplied your course coordinator/tutor which
by Canvas/email to watch the lecture. should automatically open up Zoom
in your class.
Tutorials/Seminars: When
timetabling begins, you will most Participating in Class
likely be given the choice of online or Zoom provides a variety of functions
offline tutorials/seminars. The Sydney that tutors will use to help facilitate
Law School offers online classes to learning and participation. A chat box
those affected by international time enables you to send files and text both
variances and people with health or to the class and privately to particular
accessibility issues. If you choose to class members. The chat box also
take an online class, your tutor will enables you to vote (yes/no) and
communicate a Zoom Link (through ‘raise your hand’ to signal to tutor.
Canvas or email) which you must
access on time every week. You are Break Out Groups
expected to participate as if in an Sometimes, the tutor will send you
offline class. into ‘breakout groups’ which exits you
from the main class and places the
Canvas
class members into random groups.
This allows more discussion amongst
peers and is often a great way to meet
Canvas is your online portal as a USYD new people!
student that will give you access to all
27You can also read
