MC161 - Juris Doctor

Plan: MC161O - Juris Doctor
Campus: City Campus

Program delivery and structure

Approach to learning and assessment
Work integrated learning
Program structure
Program transition plan

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Approach to learning and assessment

Over the duration of your program, you will experience a variety of approaches to teaching and learning. The approaches used in each course will be appropriate to the core curriculum areas and graduate capabilities. It is designed to develop, and to assist you in developing skills as an independent and lifelong learner.

The major styles of teaching and learning you will experience throughout your program will include:

Classroom teaching: utilises a range of teaching and learning techniques including lectures, guest lectures by legal practitioners, class presentations, group discussion and student-led discussion. This style of learning is designed to maximise your understanding of the curriculum content and skills. It is designed to provide an environment where you can ask questions and seek feedback as well as contribute to class discussion with your peers. Classes may be offered in intensive mode over weekends or in week long blocks.

Problem-based learning: you may be in a small legal practice group or team, or work individually to apply knowledge to solve problems and examine case studies. This technique is designed to simulate the experiences you will encounter working as a lawyer.

Assignments and projects: these may be either research or problem based, and may be undertaken in teams or individually. They will provide you with experience at undertaking legal research and legal reasoning, to write effectively and to present your findings and advice to a range of audiences; and may also require you to provide oral presentations. Assignments and projects are also designed to provide a way to receive feedback on your skills development and be able to utilise this feedback to improve your skills and further develop your capabilities in the relevant area.

Moots: you will be requested to participate in moots (mock courts), in which you may play the role of a solicitor, barrister, expert witness or negotiator. These moots will develop your capabilities in relation to substantive lawyer writing and drafting legal research and legal reasoning, judgement and strategy and oral communication in advocacy and negotiation solutions.

Flexible Delivery: The program will incorporate extensive use of online teaching resources; in the provision of support resources to you the students, and for accessing research sites of relevance to the course content. myRMIT will be used to provide your work to a range of resources for online learning, as set out below:

Learning Resources: On enrolment in each course you will be provided with a folder of course materials described above. These materials will also be accessible on the myRMIT and will include:

• Lecture notes and presentation slides which can be used as either preparation or revision materials.
• Staff and Guest lectures digitally recorded, and provided online as audio-stream files for access from a computer, or in format compatible with personal music players.
• A number of courses have been developed as fully integrated online resources able to be studied during the Summer School. Courseware delivered via myRMIT may comprise fully online, media rich content (HTML, animations, audiovisual, etc), or text-based resources designed for on-screen viewing or printing.
• Legal research activities: Legal research is a key store to becoming a lawyer and extensive online materials will be provided, both through the RMIT Library’s database subscriptions to case law and journals, and through individual course research references.

Legal cases can be browsed online at the Australian Legal Information Institutes website  (https://www.austlii.edu.au).
You will be directed to legal case studies prepared to illustrate specific principles and made available via myRMIT.

Assessment and Feedback Tools: A range of assessment tools will be provided online to assist with course content and to produce immediate feedback.

• Discussion boards will be used as a forum to discuss and analyse readings, theories, events etc.
• Quizzes will be used for formative assessment and self-tests, incorporating a range of designs and feedback options.

Assessment is designed to provide you with opportunities to demonstrate the extent to which you have developed your capabilities and achieved specified learning outcomes in a given area. Methods of assessment will vary between courses, as it is appropriate to the objectives, learning outcomes and capabilities to be developed in each course.

Assessment may take the form of:

Formal examinations: which provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding and application of fundamental legal principles to either practical or theoretical issues.

Assignments, case studies and projects: may be completed individually or in teams. They will provide you opportunities to develop your abilities in legal communications, research and reasoning, and problem solving.

Research projects: which assess your ability to fixate, assimilate, analyse and critically reflect on information.

In-class tests: provide you with feedback on your early understanding within a course and allow feedback to assist you in further developing your skills and abilities.

Reflective papers: where you reflect on what you have learnt and the methods you have utilised to enhance your learning, and develop your Judgement and strategy capabilities.

Presentations: which provide you opportunities to develop your research, legal reasoning and oral communication skills.

Moots: which provide you with opportunities to demonstrate advocacy, negotiation, problem solving, leadership, Judgement, legal reasoning and communications skills.

Inherent Requirements 

The following information on inherent requirements outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during online learning activities and professional placements.. The non-academic abilities listed are provided for information only and are not entry requirements. 

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service (https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services) to discuss any adjustments you may require. 

The following information outlines examples of the fundamental tasks you will be required to carry out your online learning activities and professional placements.These examples are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

Communication

Understand and respond to verbal communication.
Verbally communicate clear instructions and explanations.
Understand and use appropriate non-verbal communication such as: eye contact, gestures, facial expression, speaking volume, tone of voice, proximity and verbal turn-taking. 

Reading, writing and number skills

Read and understand a range of written material in differing forms from a variety of sources such as: on screen material, reference material and /or handwritten notes.
Produce coherent written communication appropriate to on-campus and industry placement settings.
Interpret and correctly apply numerical data, measurements and formulae in a time-efficient manner in online learning and online industry placement settings.

Concentration, memory and problem solving skills

Correctly use and apply knowledge of theory, research, and practice gained from online learning activities to tasks in online industry placement settings.

Mental wellness and behavioural stability

Engage with peers and teaching staff, to reflect on your work and respond appropriately to constructive feedback.
Manage multiple demands with engagement, focus and composure.
Manage content with objectivity and accuracy.

Please be advised that the Juris Doctor includes an optional professional placement, consisting of clinic and internship placements as part of your program. The Graduate School of Business and Law partners with external industry organisations/firms to deliver these placements. You can also self-source internships but self-sourced internships must satisfy relevant Graduate School of Business and Law criteria, require prior approval and must be unpaid. If an industry partner offers remote work, students may be able to complete an online placement, however, most placements require in-person attendance.  More information on how to enrol into a professional placement course is available via the course guides

There are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate to undertake these tasks. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require. 

By understanding the types of inherent requirement activities you’ll participate in, you can: 

understand more about the program 
determine if you may need support during your studies 
make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you 

If you are living with a disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies. 
 
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service (https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services) 
 
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in online learning.

Academic integrity 

The originality verification software Turnitin (see www.turnitin.com) may be used on assessments in your program. 

You must complete the RMIT Assessment coversheet with your assessment submissions. 

Specifically, support resources for yourself as a student to ensure that your submitted assessment accurately represents your work are provided at: www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course/assessment-results/academic-integrity. 

For more information on assessment, refer to the RMIT Assessment and Assessment Flexibility policy. 

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Work integrated learning

As a student enrolled in this RMIT University program you will be provided with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice. The designated Work Integrated Learning (WIL) course in this program is LAW1031 Negotiation and Dispute Resolution (12 credit points) and is delivered online. This course will provide you with opportunities to apply your academic skills to a work-based context. 

In particular you will:

• undertake and be assessed on structured activities that allow you to learn, apply and demonstrate your professional or vocational practice; and
• be involved in authentic engagement with partner organisations that includes industry feedback.

These learning opportunities may be in the form of industry-based projects, simulations or placements.

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Program Structure

To graduate you must complete the following. All courses listed may not be available each semester.
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Year One of Program
Complete the following One (1) Commencement Course:
Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus Introduction to the Australian Legal System and Legal Methods 12 LAW1019 City Campus
AND
Complete the following Three (3) Courses:
Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus Fundamentals of Contract Law 12 LAW2524 City Campus Law of Torts 12 LAW1020 City Campus Criminal Law 12 LAW2394 City Campus
AND
Complete the following Three (3) Courses:
Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus Jurisprudence 12 LAW1046 City Campus Advanced Contract Law 12 LAW2527 City Campus Negotiation and Dispute Resolution 12 LAW1031 City Campus
AND
Select and Complete One (1) Course from the list of Approved Law Option courses at the end of this program structure.
AND
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Year Two of Program
Complete the following Four (4) Courses:
Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus Administrative Law 12 LAW1023 City Campus Australian Property Law 12 LAW1024 City Campus Australian Company Law 12 LAW1026 City Campus International Law 12 LAW1029 City Campus
AND
Complete the following Three (3) Courses:
Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus Federal and State Constitutional Law 12 LAW1027 City Campus Civil Procedure 12 LAW1030 City Campus Law and Technology 12 LAW1042 City Campus
AND
Select and Complete One (1) Course from the list of Approved Law Option courses at the end of this program structure.
AND
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Year Three of Program
Complete the following Three (3) Courses:
Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus Equity and Trusts 12 LAW1025 City Campus Evidence 12 LAW2395 City Campus Innovative Justice 12 LAW2551 City Campus
AND
Select and Complete One (1) Course from the list of Approved Law Option courses at the end of this program structure.
AND
Complete the following One (1) Capstone Course:
Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus Legal Practice Management and Professional Conduct 12 LAW1037 City Campus
AND
Select and Complete Three (3) Courses from the list of Approved Law Option courses listed at the end of this program structure.
AND
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Approved Law Options List:
List of Approved Law Option Courses:
Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus Australian Taxation Law 12 LAW1028 City Campus Intellectual Property Law 12 LAW1022 City Campus Wills and Succession 12 LAW1043 City Campus Insolvency 12 LAW1045 City Campus Labour Law 12 LAW1039 City Campus Introduction to Family Law in Australia 12 LAW2531 City Campus Environment and Planning Law Practice 12 LAW2529 City Campus Competition and Consumer Law 12 LAW1033 City Campus Health Law 12 LAW2549 City Campus JD Study Tour (CIJ): Innovative Justice and Court Innovation 12 LAW2533 City Campus Legal Research Project 12 LAW1040 City Campus
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Program transition plan

The MC161OUP14 Juris Doctor and MC161OUP8 Juris Doctor program plans will be formally discontinued from Session 1, 2024 and all students will be transferred into the MC161O Juris Doctor program plan. All courses successfully completed under the MC161OUP14 and MC161OUP8 Juris Doctor program plans, including credit transfer and RPL, will be recognised in the MC161O Juris Doctor Program Plan, to ensure minimal impact to your studies. 

Information for students who transferred from the Open Universities Australia (OUA) Juris Doctor (MC161OUP14 and MC161OUP8)

Further details on how your transferred courses will be recognised have been detailed below. Note, the course codes referenced in the transition rules are the RMIT Online codes. If the outlined arrangements do not cover your specific requirements, please contact Business Connect for additional advice.

If you have been transfer from MC161OUP8, you wll be provided an individual transition map to your student email account.

If you have been transferred from MC161OUP14, please refer to the below table and text for transition arrangements. Note, all Law Option courses in MC161OUP14 will be recognised as Law Option courses in MC161O.

OUA Program MC161OUP14	RMITO Program MC161O
Course Code	Course Title	Course Structure	Course Code	Course Title	Course Structure
LAW2396	Introduction to the Australian Legal System and Legal Methods	Year 1, Core	LAW1019	Introduction to the Australian Legal System and Legal Methods	Year 1, Core
LAW2525	Fundamentals of Contract Law	Year 1, Core	LAW2524	Fundamentals of Contract Law	Year 1, Core
LAW2397	Law of Torts	Year 1, Core	LAW1020	Law of Torts	Year 1, Core
LAW2399	Criminal Law	Year 1, Core	LAW2394	Criminal Law	Year 1, Core
LAW2411	Jurisprudence	Year 1, Core	LAW1046	Jurisprudence	Year 1, Core
LAW2528	Advanced Contract Law	Year 1, Core	LAW2527	Advanced Contract Law	Year 1, Core
LAW2409	Negotiation and Dispute Resolution	Year 1, Core	LAW1031	Negotiation and Dispute Resolution	Year 1, Core
LAW2400	Administrative Law	Year 2, Core	LAW1023	Administrative Law	Year 2, Core
LAW2404	Australian Property Law	Year 2, Core	LAW1024	Australian Property Law	Year 2, Core
LAW2406	Australian Company Law	Year 2, Core	LAW1026	Australian Company Law	Year 2, Core
LAW2407	International Law	Year 2, Core	LAW1029	International Law	Year 2, Core
LAW2408	Federal and State Constitutional Law	Year 2, Core	LAW1027	Federal and State Constitutional Law	Year 2, Core
LAW2416	Civil Procedure	Year 2, Core	LAW1030	Civil Procedure	Year 2, Core
LAW2401	Law and Technology	Year 2, Core	LAW1042	Law and Technology	Year 2, Core
LAW2405	Equity and Trusts	Year 3, Core	LAW1025	Equity and Trusts	Year 3, Core
LAW2418	Evidence	Year 3, Core	LAW2395	Evidence	Year 3, Core
LAW2552	Innovative Justice	Year 3, Core	LAW2551	Innovative Justice	Year 3, Core
LAW2413	Legal Practice Management and Professional Conduct	Year 3, Core	LAW1037	Legal Practice Management and Professional Conduct	Year 3, Core
	Complete six Approved Law option courses			Complete six Approved Law option courses
LAW2414	Australian Taxation Law	Option Course	LAW1028	Australian Taxation Law	Option Course
LAW2415	Intellectual Property Law	Option Course	LAW1022	Intellectual Property Law	Option Course
LAW2435	Clinical Legal Education	Option Course	Recognised as law option
LAW2425	Wills and Succession	Option Course	LAW1043	Wills and Succession	Option Course
LAW2420	International Business Law	Option Course	Recognised as law option
LAW2433	Human Rights Law in Australia	Option Course	Recognised as law option
LAW2426	Insolvency	Option Course	LAW1045	Insolvency	Option Course
LAW2430	Acquisitions, Takeovers and Mergers	Option Course	Recognised as law option
LAW2410	Labour Law	Option Course	LAW1039	Labour Law	Option Course
LAW2532	Introduction to Family Law in Australia	Option Course	LAW2531	Introduction to Family Law in Australia	Option Course
LAW2530	Environment and Planning Law Practice	Option Course	LAW2529	Environment and Planning Law Practice	Option Course
LAW2419	Competition and Consumer Law	Option Course	LAW1033	Competition and Consumer Law	Option Course
LAW2534	JD Study Tour (CIJ): Innovative Justice and Court Innovation	Option Course	LAW2533	JD Study Tour (CIJ): Innovative Justice and Court Innovation	Option Course
LAW2550	Health Law	Option Course	LAW2549	Health Law	Option Course
LAW2606	External Legal Competition	Option Course	Recognised as law option
LAW2569	Discrimination Law	Option Course	Recognised as law option
LAW2567	Business and Human Rights	Option Course	Recognised as law option
LAW2424	Legal Research Project	Option Course	LAW1040	Legal Research Project	Option Course
LAW2628	Law and Justice Beyond Borders	Option Course	Recognised as law option

 

If you commenced the OUA JD program prior to 2021:
You can complete three (3) postgraduate electives and three (3) law electives in lieu of six law (6) electives.

If you commenced the OUA JD program prior to 2020:

• If you have completed LAW1040 Legal Research Project prior to 2020, it will be considered a core in lieu of LAW1042 Law & Technology.
• If you have not completed LAW1040 Legal Research Project prior 2020, you may choose either LAW1040 Legal Research Project or LAW1042 Law & Technology as a core course.
• If you have completed LAW2551 Innovative Justice and have not yet completed LAW1040 Legal Research Project prior to 2020, you must complete LAW1040 Legal Research Project as a core course.

If you have completed 6 or fewer electives prior to 2018:

If you have completed LAW1037 Legal Practice Management and Professional Conduct prior to Semester 1 2018:

1. You will be required to complete 18 core and 6 elective courses.
2.  LAW1037 Legal Practice Management and Professional Conduct will be considered a core course.
3. You will be required to complete LAW2551 Innovative Justice as one of your core courses.

If you have not completed LAW1037 Legal Practice Management and Professional Conduct prior to Semester 1 2018:

1.  You will be required to complete 18 core and 6 elective courses.
2.  You will be required to complete LAW1037 Legal Practice Management and Professional Conduct as one of your core courses.
3.  You will be required to complete LAW2551 Innovative Justice as one of your core courses.

If you have completed 7 electives prior to 2018:

If you have completed LAW1037 Legal Practice Management and Professional Conduct prior to Semester 1 2018:

1.  You will be required to complete 17 core and 7 elective courses.
2.  LAW1037 Legal Practice Management and Professional Conduct will be considered a core course.
3.  You will be required to complete LAW2551 Innovative Justice as one of your core courses.

If you have not completed LAW1037 Legal Practice Management and Professional Conduct prior to Semester 1 2018:

1. You will be required to complete 17 core and 7 elective courses.
2. You can choose to do either LAW1037 Legal Practice Management and Professional Conduct or LAW2551 Innovative Justice as one of your core courses.

Please note: LAW1037 Legal Practice Management and Professional Conduct is required if you wish to be admitted to practice

If you have completed 8 electives prior to 2018:

If you have completed LAW1037 Legal Practice Management and Professional Conduct prior to semester 1 2018:

1.  You will be required to complete 16 core and 8 electives, as per your original program structure.
2.  LAW1037 Legal Practice Management and Professional Conduct will be considered as one of your 8 elective courses.
3.  Do not complete LAW2551 Innovative Justice as one of your core courses.

If you have not completed LAW1037 Legal Practice Management and Professional Conduct prior to semester 1 2018:

1. You will be required to complete 16 core and 8 electives, as per your original program structure.
2. You must complete LAW1037 Legal Practice Management and Professional Conduct OR LAW2551 Innovative Justice if you wish to be admitted to practice.

If you commenced the OUA JD program prior to 2014:

If you have not completed LAW1021 Contract Law, in order to satisfy the ‘Priestley 11’ requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria (and all other Australian jurisdictions), you will need to complete both:

• LAW2524 Fundamentals of Contract Law; AND
• LAW2527 Advanced Contract Law.

If you are in this situation, you may take LAW2527 Advanced Contract Law as a core, instead of one of the following:

• LAW1028 / LAW2414 Australian Taxation Law
• LAW1022 / LAW2415 Intellectual Property Law

This will ensure that you still complete the required 16 core and 8 elective courses to graduate in the JD.

If you have completed LAW1021 Contract Law, you will meet the Priestley 11 requirements and you are not required to complete either LAW2524 Fundamentals of Contract Law or LAW2527 Advanced Contract Law.

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