Laying Down the Law provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the study of law. Essential foundation topics covered include Australia’s legal system and sources of law, while discussion of current issues highlights the context in which our legal system operates and the role and responsibilities of the legal profession. Clear explanations of precedent and statutory interpretation provide a solid basis for legal study and practice, and practical examples and exercises support learning and the development of key skills. A legal toolkit and marginal notes provide additional information to develop understanding of key concepts. The book is supported by a range of online materials to consolidate knowledge and skills. The 12th edition has been extensively revised throughout, including discussion on recent developments in case law and legislation, such as the Legislation Interpretation Act 2021 (SA) and continuing developments following the High Court’s decision in Farah Constructions Pty Ltd v Say-Dee Pty Ltd. Other current issues, such as constitutional recognition of Australia’s First Nations peoples and the implications for legal research and practice of the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence programs, are also considered. - Publisher's website.
Bibliography, etc. Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Formatted Contents Note
Part 1: Laying the foundations 1. Introduction to law 2. The origins and historical development of the modern Australian legal system 3. The Australian legal system 4. First nations Australians and the Australian legal system
Part 2: Professional practice and legal dispute resolution 5. The legal profession and professional legal practice and ethics 6. Legal dispute resolution processes
Part 3: Sources of law: case law 7. Case law and precedent 8. Precedent in Australian courts
Part 4: Sources of law: legislation 9. Legislation 10. Approaches to interpretation of legislation 11. Extrinsic aids to interpretation of legislation 12. Interpretation of legislation in context 13. Presumptions used in the interpretation of legislation 14. Statutory obligations and discretions 15. Applying legislation to complex problems
Part 5: Legal research 16. Legal research - approaches and steps 17. Searching for secondary sources 18. Searching for case law 19. Searching for legislation
Part 6: Legal writing, study and exam skills 20. Legal writing 21. Referencing and citation 22. Study and exam skills
Part 7: The essential legal toolkit A. Court hierarchies B. Abbreviations of commonly uses law reports C. A guide to law reports of courts D. common legal abbreviations E. Commonly misspelt or misused words F. Glossary.
