ANU LAW 2021 FIRST YEAR GUIDE
CONTENTS 1
INTRODUCTIONS 2 LSS President’s Welcome 3 LSS Executive 5 ANU Law CoL Reps Welcome
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YOUR FIRST WEEKS 7 O-Week
8 ACADEMIC INFORMATION 9 What courses should I be taking? 9 Dates for your diary 10 Course study guides 11 Class information Lectures Tutorials Seminars 12 Assessment Research Essays Tutorial Participation Mid-semester and final exams 13 Learning Resources ANU Academic Skills Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) 14 GET INVOLVED WITH ANU LAW 18 HEALTH & WELLBEING 21 FAQS 22 USEFUL CONNECTIONS
Content Caitlin Plesek Lora Hong Design Adam Cass Inside cover image: Harry Burk, 2018
INTRODUCTIONS
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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME Hello, and welcome to ANU Law! On behalf of the ANU Law Students’ Society (LSS), I would like to extend a warm congratulations to you for being accepted into the ANU Law School. Choosing to study at the ANU was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I sincerely hope that your experience here leaves you feeling the same way. The LSS has prepared this First Year Guide with a view to helping you feel a little more prepared and confident as you approach the beginning of your studies. It outlines some of the many ways to get involved at ANU Law, as well as providing an overview of the resources available to you during your time here. The Guide also shows a little of what it is that the LSS does, and the ways in which we can support and enrich your experience at law school. The LSS is the largest and most active society at ANU. Our initiatives are many and varied, including everything from careers workshops and legal competitions to social events and academic mentoring. In essence, though, we exist to represent the voices of ANU law students- so if there is ever anything you are concerned about or would like to discuss, we are always happy to chat! As part of your preparations for beginning at law school, I really do encourage you to become an LSS member. Our members receive a variety of perks, such as discounts across different Canberra businesses, and are the first to hear about our upcoming events and initiatives. In my experience, those events can be incredibly valuable, particularly in first year- they help you to meet other law students, and to engage with the legal discipline more broadly. Our Facebook page is the best resource for keeping up to date with what’s on, so definitely give that a like! I wish you the very best for 2021, and for all of your studies in the future. These years of your life present an incredible opportunity, and while they will undoubtedly bring challenges and require a lot of hard work, I sincerely hope that you will also find them exciting and incredibly rewarding. I look forward to meeting you at our events this year, and to seeing what the newest cohort of law students will bring to ANU!
ANU LAW STUDENTS’ SOCIETY
EMMA CAMPBELL President
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MEET YOUR EXEC EMMA CAMPBELL President lss@anu.edu.au First year tip: Don’t be disheartened if your grades are not what you want them to be, especially early in your law studies. It can take time to learn how to study law, and how to show off the knowledge you have gained- my Torts grade was the worst I’ve received at university, but I promise it gets better! KATIE BYRNES Vice President (Admin) lssadministration@anu.edu.au First year tip: Encourage each other! Although law school can seem competitive, the best way to get through is to be kind to your peers - it makes such a difference to be in a positive and supportive environment! SASHA DANIEL Vice President (Careers) lsscareers@anu.edu.au First year tip: Do not worry! don’t feel out of your depths - everyone knows just as little as you, no matter what they say. Also PLEASE start your exam notes as early as possible, sounds obvious but I promise using swotvac to learn new content is never fun. SHAE IQBAL Vice President (Finance) lssfinance@anu.edu.au First year tip: Let passive listening work for you - turn off your internet in lectures and try and soak some detail in because some things only make sense when you let it develop subconsciously.
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JESS THOO Vice President (Competitions) lsscompetitions@anu.edu.au First year tip: Risk it for the biscuit! Jump in feet first, get involved around campus, and try new things that are so ‘not you.’ Secondly, consider taking some law electives earlier in your degree— I promise you that it makes the first three year entirely more bearable!
CAITLIN PLESEK Vice President (Education) lsseducation@anu.edu.au First year tip: It’s normal to be overwhelmed during O-week! Don’t stress if you can’t make it to every info session, just focus on making friends and having fun! The stories from first year O-week are sure to be some of the best from your time at uni. THU VU Vice President (Events) lssevents@anu.edu.au First year tip: Make a summary document of each case you study (especially torts and contracts). This could include the date (relevance of time periods), key facts, the outcome/significance and even quotes! Makes studying for exams far easier! SAHANA DEVARAJAN Vice President (Equity) lssequity@anu.edu.au First year tip: No matter how organised or put together you think you are, do not, and I stress, do NOT schedule a 9am Friday tutorial. You’ll thank me later. NEHA KALELE Vice President (Social Justice) lsssocialjustice@anu.edu.au First year tip: Meeting other law students by getting involved in events, clubs, and societies can make all the difference and make getting through torts and contracts that much easier. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and jump into new experiences.
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ANUSA CoL REPS WELCOME I’m Lily, one of your two ANUSA College of Law representatives from 2021. I’m originally from Sydney and am in my fourth year of studying an Arts/Law degree, majoring in French Language and Culture and minoring in Gender and Sexuality. As ANUSA representatives, our role is to fight for the best interests of all ANU law students. We are here to help with any academic issues you may face. Are you unsure about how to satisfy Honours requirements of your degree? Confused about how going on exchange affects your GPA? Want to know how you can appeal a grade? We can help you out! Studying law is an invaluable opportunity to critically analyse why the world works the way it does, and how certain systems and processes regulate our behaviour. Whether you’re passionate about social justice, want to sink your teeth into the world of corporate law, aspire to work in diplomacy, or are eager to learn from a diverse range of students with differing perspectives – the CoL offers a wealth of opportunities.
LILY HENKE ANUSA College of Law Representative
My greatest piece of advice for first year students is to not let these opportunities go to waste. I encourage you to sign up for first year mentoring programs, attend O-week and first year social events and to get involved in extra-curriculars. Law school is known to absolutely fly by, so make the most of it while you can! Secondly, I urge you to reach out for help if you need it. Making the transition from high school to university can be a challenging adjustment, and often reaching out for some extra guidance makes all the difference! Hey everyone! My name is Isabel Marsh and I’m one of your College of Law Representatives for this year. I’m originally from Melbourne and am currently in my fifth year studying Law and International Relations, minoring in French Language and Culture. Through our role as your College of Law Representatives this year, we are here to support you as you embark on your journey at Law School and are your main point of contact if you have any academic-related issues. My biggest piece of advice is to try as many new things as you can, both at law school and university generally. Like Lily mentioned above, there are so many things you can get involved in and the law school runs many fantastic programs, events, and clubs you can join. ISABEL MARSH ANUSA College of Law Representative
University is such a unique time in your life and the perfect opportunity to try something new. Best of luck for this coming year as you start the next exciting chapter in your lives. Please feel free to reach to us this year if you need any support, help or just a chat! 2021 FIRST YEAR GUIDE
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What your CoL Reps do: CoL Reps act on behalf of the undergraduate law student body. We sit on the College Representative Council, where we discuss changes to the academic side of university and how they impact students. We also act as an advocate for students to the administration, meaning we can assist with any issues or concerns you may have with courses, tutors or lecturers. As CoL reps we also sit on the College Education Committee (CEC) alongside the President and Vice-President (Education) of the LSS and the PARSA (postgraduate students association) representatives. On the CEC we represent students’ opinion on any changes to the curriculum or policy that the law school is hoping to implement. How We Help We are here to help advocate for students for all things that relate to your law degree from issues or concerns you’re having with assessment structures, courses or teaching staff. If you’re not sure who to speak to for help resolving an issue we can also point you in the right direction! You can contact us via email or message our FB page.
Get in touch: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ANUSALawReps/ Email col.sa@anu.edu.au
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YOUR FIRST WEEKS Welcome to the ANU College of Law. You have an exciting 4 or 5 years ahead of you. Starting university can be challenging and overwhelming, so we’ve put together this guide to help you settle into life at ANU. Think of it as a mini survival guide for your first few weeks, classes and semesters at university!
O Week Orientation Week, or ‘O – week’ runs from 15-19 February. Things may be a bit different from past years, but it is still going to be a lot of fun! During the week there will be events held both online and in-person so you can be involved regardless of if you are on campus, interstate or overseas. The events are run by different student societies and faculties on campus. Make sure you keep up to date with what events are being held. ANU itself will host informative events such as Course Induction Sessions. These are really great sessions and it’s a good idea to try and attend. If you live in a Residential Hall, they will also have their own O-Week calendar. If you don’t live in a Residential Hall, talk to Griffin Hall on Market Day, 17 February, about becoming a member.
LSS Welcome Drinks The LSS is hosting Welcome Drinks on 17 February 2021. It would be great to see you there!
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ACADEMIC INFORMATION
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COURSES What courses should I be taking? Below 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
is a table of the recommended degree structure. To find this online follow the below steps: Go to https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/ Find your degree – i.e. LLB and PPE, LLB and Arts Go to the course page Click on the ‘study’ tab Scroll to the bottom of the page SEMESTER 1
FIRST YEAR
SEMESTER 2
LAWS101 Foundations of Australian Law LAWS1202 Lawyers, Justice and Ethics LAWS1203 Torts
LAWS1204 Contracts
SECOND YEAR
LAWS1205 Australian Public Law
LAWS2249 Legal Theory
LAWS1206 Criminal Law
LAWS2250 International Law
THIRD YEAR
LAWS2201 Administrative Law
LAWS2202 Constitutional Law
LAWS2203 Corporations Law
Law Elective
FOURTH YEAR
LAWS2204 Property
LAWS2205 Equity
Law Elective
Law Elective
FIFTH YEAR
LAWS2244 Litigation
LAWS2207 Evidence
Law Elective
Law Elective
Dates for your diary 15 - 19 February O Week 22 February Classes Begin 1 March Last day to add courses 8 March Canberra Day 29 March - 2 April Mid Sem Exams W1 5 - 19 April Teaching Break
19 - 23 April Mid Sem Exams W2 26 April Anzac Day 7 May Drop courses without failure 28 May End of Classes 31 May Reconciliation Day 3 - 19 June Exam Block
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COURSE STUDY GUIDES Keeping track of all of the information for each of your subjects can be difficult, but don’t stress! Each course has a course guide that outlines all of the course information such as lecturer contact details, class times, required textbooks and assessment due dates. Course guides are the key to effective study so it is super important you have a copy. Usually, a course convenor will post a link to this course guide on the Wattle course page. However, if a link is not provided, follow these easy steps to get a copy: 1. Go to the ANU Programs and Courses webpage: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/ 2.
Search the course you are taking, i.e LAWS1203
3.
Once you are on the course page click on the class tab
4.
Click on the ‘view’ link under class summary
TIP: Download and save the course guide for future easy reference!
5. This will take you to a new page that looks similar to the previous one, but has specific course information for that semester.
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CLASSES Lectures Lectures are where the majority of course content is taught. They are almost always recorded and uploaded to the Wattle course page via Echo360. However, it is important to try and attend the lectures in person because these recordings can fail. It is also a good opportunity to meet other law students in your first year of law! TIP: most lecturers will post their lecture slides on Wattle. Be sure to use these!
Tutorials Tutorials are small classes held with an individual tutor. They are designed to be interactive to aid your understanding and learning of course content. Attendance and participation in tutorials often make up a part of your marks for the course. These are easy marks to get so be sure to go to every tutorial! Tutorials require an online sign-up on Wattle. These will take place sometime in O-Week or week 1 as law tutorials generally won’t start until Week 2. The course convenor will most likely announce when the sign-ups open online. TIP: Be sure to make not of this in your diary as most tutorials become full within the first minute of opening!
Seminars Seminars are similar to tutorials but are slightly larger in size. Foundations of Australian Law (LAWS1201) is taught in this way. TIP: Just like tutorials, check the course guide to see what participation requirements your seminar requires.
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ASSESSMENT Research Essays All law subjects have a significant research assessment component. Researching and writing legal essays can be daunting as it is completely different to previous research essays you are probably used to writing. Not to worry! Many different bodies such as the College of Law, LSS and ANUSA College of Law Reps will put on essay writing workshops. TIP: Keep an eye on social media and your emails to see when essay writing workshops are being held!
Tutorial participation Tutorial participation will usually make up only 10% of your overall mark for the course. By completing the weekly readings, preparing some questions and participating in class discussion you will guarantee yourself a good mark! TIP: Don’t be shy! Your contribution to class discussion won’t look “show-offy” it will usually help your classmates with their learning (and get you a good mark!).
Exams Law courses will also have an exam in the mid-semester exam period and/or in the final exam period. Exams are looking a bit different than usual this year due to COVID-19. Be sure to read your course guide carefully and keep up to date with course announcements to see what requirements are in place for your exams. The course guide will not specify a date for the exam. The ANU Examinations Office will email you a personalised exam timetable with specific exam dates and times in the few weeks before exams. TIP: The LSS will run pre-exam tutorials during the stu-vac period for the compul-sory law courses. Keep an eye on Facebook to see when these are being held.
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LEARNING RESOURCES ANU Academic Skills ANU Academic Skills helps students to develop key academic skills to achieve their academic goals. They have many resources on their website stemming from referencing to writing assessment to adjusting to university study. Have a look here: anu.edu.au/students/academicskills You can also book an individual appointment to get personalised advice on their website! TIP: Keep an eye out for their academic skills workshops being held in O-Week!
Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) The ANU College of Law has a ‘Peer Assisted Learning’ program for first-year law students. Later year law students run weekly study sessions during the semester on foundational legal skills that you will need throughout your degree. Information about upcoming PAL sessions will generally be included in weekly email updates from the ANU College of Law.
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GET INVOLVED WITH ANU LAW!
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COMPETITIONS The ANU LSS holds four kinds of internal competitions: mooting; negotiations; client interviews; and witness examination.
Mooting
Teams of 2-3 students present written and oral submissions before a mock ‘court’ relating to a given fact scenario. Competitors are judged on the structure and clarity of their submissions, knowledge of the law, ability to answer impromptu questions, quality of their oral advocacy and the calibre of their written submissions.
Negotiations Teams of 2 compete against other teams to negotiate the best outcome for their respective ‘clients’, using their knowledge of both a set of general facts and confidential facts. Competitors are judged on their problem-solving skills and the ability to persuasively and respectfully negotiate with the opposing team.
Client Interview Teams of 2 ask questions in order to extract all possible facts from a ‘client’ in what resembles an initial client conference. Competitors are judged on their ability to gather facts and assist the client in making an informed decision.
Witness Examination Individuals compete as defence and prosecution to conduct examination-in-chief and crossexaminations of witnesses. Competitors are judged on their communication and legal skills, namely their ability to object when their opposition makes a mistake. As first years, you would be competing in the Novice Competition, which is held in Semester 2. In Semester 2 the LSS will also launch a Competitions Guide which includes tips and a competition outline. Also keep an eye on the LSS Facebook page for further details about Competitions Workshops which will be held early this semester.
External Competitions There are also a number of external competitions held by universities across the country. These include competitions such as the Sir Harry Gibbs Constitutional Law Moot, Clayton Utz Intervarsity Negotiation Competition and the Baker McKenzie National Women’s Moot. More information about competitions offered in semester two will be posted throughout the year, so keep an eye on Facebook and the ANU LSS website.
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INTERNATIONAL LAW SOCIETY The ANU International Law Society is a student organisation that allows law students interested in international law to discover more and further their enjoyment in the area. It is the only Australian affiliate of the International Law Students’ Association.
Email: ils@anu.edu.au Facebook: facebook.com/ ANUILS
The ILS runs a range of events throughout the year including panel discussions with academics and experts discussing topical issues and developments in international law as well as mentoring programs which match a student with lawyers or academics. In addition, the society also participates in the International Humanitarian Law moot competition and various networking and careers events which provide students with the unique opportunity to meet with lawyers practicing in the field and discover more about careers or working in international law. If you are someone who enjoys international law and sees studying law as a potential pathway to explore beyond Australia, or wants to be a part of an exciting student society, then the ANU ILS is for you! To get involved in ILS events, competitions and opportunities, look for the at the ANU International Law Society Facebook page or email the ILS.
LAW REFORM & SOCIAL JUSTICE ANU Law Reform and Social Justice (LR+SJ) is an opportunity to combine your values with your studies. LR+SJ activities and projects explore the complex role of law in society and how lawyers can work to promote both social change and stability. LRSJ activities consist of student-run projects including community legal education providing legal information to high schools, prisons and community legal centres; research projects on corporate responsibility and Constitutional issues. LRSJ also runs workshops on skills such as FOI requests and submission writing as well as holding film screenings and careers panels on social justice jobs.
Facebook: facebook.com/ ANULRSJ
By joining LR+SJ you can join a project, start your own project on a topic that you’re passionate about or discover more about pertinent issues by coming along to events. Learn more about the LRSJ on Facebook and hear about upcoming events.
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LAW REVUE The ANU Law Revue is an annual student-run theatre comedy production performing in early Semester 2. This is a show that goes from current affairs to abstract legal theory, everyday student life to pop culture, legal issues to funny puns, so if any of this sounds like you, the law revue is the show for you!
Facebook: facebook.com/
ANULawRevue
Auditions are held in the early weeks of Semester 1 for all ANU students across all degrees. Whether you are a seasoned singer, musician, dancer or someone who hasn’t had much experience in theatre, ANU Law Revue has got a spot for you. If you’re interested in this production, check out the ANU Law Revue on Youtube or message on Facebook.
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
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LSS Wellbeing The ANU LSS is deeply committed to prioritising the wellbeing of all law students at the ANU. The toll that legal education and practice can take on mental health of individuals is well-established. With this in mind, the Wellbeing Director- working closely together with the President as well as other portfolios- strives to ensure and promote both mental and physical health of law students through a variety of events, resources and initiatives throughout the year. The LSS Mental Health Week is a particularly important week that highlights the works of the Wellbeing director, which include various workshops, guest talks, yoga, meditation sessions and much more. However, they are actively involved in promoting student health and wellbeing throughout the year, so if you ever have any questions, concerns or simply want to chat with someone, we highly encourage you to contact the LSS Wellbeing Director at lsswellbeing@anu. edu.au. Email: lsswellbeing@anu.edu.au
ANU Health The National Health Co-op (NHC) is ANU’s on campus health service provider. The NHC operates a health and wellness clinic on levels 2 and 3 of the Health and Wellbeing Centre (Building 156) in Kambri (next to Club Lime). The NHC provides students with access to a comprehensive range of health services and walkin or appointment bulk billed medical needs. First time visitors must first complete a new patient registration provided prior to the appointment. In addition to the NHC ANU Clinic on campus, enrolled students who are NHC members are also able to access health services from any of the NHC’s clinics in the Canberra region. Students should bring their Medicare Care and Student ID or an international health care if relevant. Website: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/contacts/medical-services Phone: 02 6178 0455
ANU Counselling The ANU offers a free, confidential and non-diagnostic counselling service to all current ANU students provided by the Counsellors in the Counselling Centre. No referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan from a General Practitioner is required to attend appointments. The ANU Counselling is currently operating remotely and is offering appointments via Zoom. Website:
www.anu.edu.au/students/health-safety-wellbe-
ing
Phone: 02 6178 0455
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Access & Inclusion Access and Inclusion (A&I) is aimed at supporting students within the ANU community whose participation in academic studies is impacted by physical and learning disabilities, mental health conditions, chronic medical conditions and short-term illnesses/conditions as well as carers, international under 18 students and elite athletes. They aim to raise awareness and understanding of disability issues amongst the broader ANU community and enable students with disability to participate fully in university life. Access and Inclusion helps students to participate fully in their program of study, be academically successful and achieve their personal best through the development of an Education Access Plan. Students are required to register with A&I before services can be provided, this process will require verification of the disability or medical condition through the provision of appropriate documentation and discussion of student’s needs. The office will then assess the nature and extent of the disability or medical condition and facilitate the provision of support. This may include the use of equipment, note taking support and reviews of exam and assessment. Access and Inclusion appointments are available by Zoom virtual appointment until further notice. Website: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/contacts/access-inclusion Phone: +61 2 6125 5036
ANU Sport ANU Sport is aimed at promoting and providing a diverse and exciting range of professionally provided, affordable sporting and physical recreation participation opportunities for all ANU students. They are also committed to enhance your university experience by offering health, fitness and leisure activities to make your time at the ANU a lot more enjoyable, energetic and fun! Location: 19 North Road, Acton ACT 2601 Website: https://www.anu-sport.com.au/ Phone: 02 6125 2273
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FAQs What courses should I take in my first semester? Starting in Semester 1 you should be taking Foundations of Australian Law (LAWS1201) and Torts (LAWS1203). Starting in Semester 2 you should be taking Lawyers Justice and Ethics (LAWS1202) and Contracts (LAWS1204).
Where can I find out what textbooks I need for my course? They are posted on the Programs and Courses page under the Study tab of the individual courses or on Wattle. See page 10 for a step-by-step guide on how to access your course page.
Help! I don’t know where to find cases online or how to reference them. Don’t worry! You’ll be taught everything in Foundations of Australian Law (LAWS1201). If you are still worried, check out the ANU Law Subject guide: https://libguides.anu.edu.au/c.php?g=634887&p=4440533 and more specifically, https://libguides.anu.edu.au/c.php?g=641553&p=4493583 for an idea about AGLC referencing.
Who can help me out if I have a disability and need special exam requirements? Feel free to contact Access and Inclusion, they will be able to help you out. Website: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/contacts/access-inclusion Phone: +61 2 6125 5036 Email: access.inclusion@anu.edu.au
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USEFUL CONNECTIONS
LSS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ANULSS Website: https://www.anulss.com/ ANUSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ANUStudentsAssociation Website: https://anusa.com.au/ Phone: (02) 6125 2444 ANUSA CoL Reps Elisabeth Henke & Isabel Marsh Email: sa.col@anu.edu.au ANU College of Law Sub-Dean, Undergraduate and postgraduate students Phone: +61 2 6125 3488 Email: subdean.law@anu.edu.au College Student Administration Services All Students Phone: +61 2 6125 3483 Email: enquiries.law@anu.edu.au
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