This unit (LLW1003) of study focuses on developing skills in good legal writing and drafting. It includes principles of plain English, effective written communication and drafting legal documents, including court documents and how to apply them in practice. The unit will cover the function and operation of a document, stages in preparing a document and structuring a document. Students will also learn about style, appearance, content and presentation of documents. The unit will further address legal rules of construction that apply to documents such as agreements, the use of precedents and rules of evidence and procedure that apply to court documents.
Unit details
Location:
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
LLW1003
Prerequisites
BLB1101 - Australian Legal System in Context
BLB1114 - Legal Research Methods
Plus 2 Level 1 Law units.
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Learning Outcomes
| 1. | Scrutinise complex legal problems; conduct research and draft legal documents in plain English language; | ||
| 2. | Interpret and apply different types of legal writing and drafting techniques and conventions; | ||
| 3. | Locate, analyse, adapt and use relevant legal precedents for effective legal drafting; | ||
| 4. | Employ analytical, cognitive, and written communication skills in producing context-specific legal documents, in contemporary Australian legal contexts; and | ||
| 5. | Utilise a variety of approaches to interpreting legal documents ("statutory interpretation") and understand how such approaches may inform the process of drafting legal documents in appropriate contexts. |
Assessment
| Assessment type | Description | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Drafting a letter of advice to a client | 30% |
| Assignment | Drafting a settlement agreement or affidavit | 40% |
| Assignment | Drafting an affidavit or pleading and reflection | 30% |
Required reading
Additional readings listed Unit of Study Guide and/or VU Collaborate space
Foundations of Australian Law and Legal, Writing A custom publication for Victoria University
Raponi, K,de Saint, J, O'Sullivan, C, (2022),(eds)
LexisNexis
Where to next?
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.
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