Fully revised and expanded, the 8th edition of Laying Down the Law is the ideal text to introduce students to the study of law. Clear and engaging explanations of essential topics include legal history, Australia's legal system and sources of law, indigenous legal issues, the doctrine of precedent, statutory interpretation and legal research and writing. Practical examples and exercises support learning and development of key skills.
New to the 8th edition
· new chapter on indigenous legal issues including native title, the constitution, criminal justice issues, the Northern Territory intervention
· expanded discussion of the bill of rights debate
· includes discussion of law graduate opportunities and ethical practice
· new and revised exercises with sample answers in text and online
Features
· Clear explanation of Australia's legal system and current issues provides the context in which our legal system operates
· Comprehensive coverage of precedent and statutory interpretation provides the foundation for legal study and practice
· Combines practical research, examples and exercises to help students master all essential legal skills
· Margin glossary identifies, explains and demystifies legal terms
Table of Contents
PART I: INTRODUCTION
1. Laying the Foundations
2. An Introduction to Legal History
3. The Common Law System in Australia
4. Indigenous Australians and the System of Law and Justice
PART II: SOURCES OF LAW: CASE LAW
5. Case Law and Precedent
6. Precedent in Australian Courts
7. Judicial Decision-making
PART III: SOURCES OF LAW: LEGISLATION
8. Legislation
9. Approaches to Interpretation of Legislation
10. Extrinsic Aids to Interpretation of Legislation
11. Interpretation of Legislation in Context
12. Presumptions Used in Interpretation of Legislation
13. Statutory Obligations and Discretions
PART IV: LEGAL RESEARCH
14. Legal research - How to start
15. Searching secondary sources
16. Searching for case law
17. Searching for legislation
PART V: LEGAL WRITING, STUDY & EXAM SKILLS
18. Legal Writing
19. Citation
20. Study and exam skills
PART VI: THE ESSENTIAL LEGAL TOOLKIT
A. Court Hierarchies
B. Abbreviations of commonly used law reports
C. Guide to law reports of courts
D. Common legal abbreviations
E. Commonly misspelt words
F. Glossary
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