77971 Relationships and the Law

This postgraduate subject explores and examines the laws affecting domestic relationships in Australia, in particular the rights and responsibilities of domestic couples following the breakdown of their relationship. The subject considers relationships arising out of marriage as well as de facto and other domestic relationships. Apart from an examination of the constitutional framework underpinning relationship law in Australia, the subject also considers nullity, divorce, financial agreements, partner support, property settlement, injunctions and family violence. It also combines a theoretical and vocational approach to the study of these relevant issues.

The subject not only benefits students interested in these issues, but also those students considering a career, or enhancing their career, in legal practice or the delivery of family law related legal services. It also provides a valuable update on recent legislative and judicial developments. While the subject shares some similarities with the undergraduate subject 76516 Family Law, it concentrates on those topics relevant to inter-personal relationship disputes, and with a greater emphasis on research.

Assessment: Assignment (30 per cent), essay (50 per cent), final quiz (20 per cent).