James Cook University School of Law
 |
| Type | Public |
|---|---|
| Established | 1989 |
| Dean | Stephen Graw |
| Students | 550 (2011, approximate) |
| Location | , |
| Campus | Regional |
| Affiliations | James Cook University |
| Website | http://www.jcu.edu.au/law |
The School of Law is a constituent body of James Cook University.
History
Until 1989, James Cook University only offered the first year of study towards an LLB. The program was hosted by the then Department of History and Politics and students completed full-year subjects in “Introduction to Law” and “Criminal Law” as well as two full-year non-law electives (or the semester equivalent). To complete their degrees, students had to transfer to the University of Queensland or the Queensland Institute of Technology.
In 1989, the University established the Department of Law as a separate school, introduced second-year subjects, and offered a four-year LLB program. Third year subjects were introduced in 1990 and fourth year subjects in 1991. Degrees were formally conferred on JCU’s first Law graduates in May 1992.
The Cairns campus was opened in July 1998 with 34 students and two fly-in staff. Since then, the Cairns Law School has grown to over 200 students and 5 permanent academic staff. The Cairns Law School is supplemented by a host of sessional staff and access to the staff and facilities provided by the Townsville campus. Students have been able to complete their entire degree in Cairns since 2000. It was a proud moment for all those involved in the development of the School when our first Cairns graduates were awarded their degrees in April 2001. In 2005, the School introduced an innovative First Year Experience program on both campuses.
JCU Law School First Year Experience
The JCU Law School offers a comprehensive course that provides entry to the legal profession. Four compulsory non-substantive courses and two substantive courses are designed for a staggered introduction to the LLB. Each follow clear and expressed pedagological methods to deliver a modern education experience.
First Year Experience courses
| Course | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Legal concepts | Introduces students to a different substantive concept each week | Criminal law, tort, contracts, fiduciaries, corporations, intellectual property, liability |
| Legal processes | Provides an overview of the Australian legal and political process. | Native title, sovereignty, arms of government, treaties and international law |
| Research and writing | Practical course providing legal skills for the degree and beyond | Statutory interpretation, library and electronic research, precedent, referencing, plagiarism |
| Legal theory | Explains theoretical principles of law and civil society | Legal positivism, natural law, utilitarianism, social contract theory, foundations of liberalism, feminism, Marxism, post-colonialism |
| Contract formation | Introduces students to contract law and how contracts are formed | Mutuality, legality, implied and express terms |
| Contract vitiation | Provides an overview of how contracts are fulfilled or voided | Rescission, performance, mistake, misrepresentation, duress, illegality |
Student activities
An elected student body, the James Cook University Law Students Society (JCULSS Website), represents students and helps organise social events such as the annual Law Ball.
Programs
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate of Research Methods (Law, Business, Creative Arts)
Masters Degrees
- Master of Conflict and Dispute Resolution
Postgraduate Diplomas
- Postgraduate Diploma of Research Methods (Law, Business, Creative Arts)
Joint Degrees
- Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Business - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Business (Accounting) - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Social Work - Bachelor of Laws
- Master of Business Administration - Master of Conflict and Dispute Resolution
Graduate Diplomas
- Graduate Diploma of Conflict and Dispute Resolution
- Graduate Diploma of Legal Studies
Certificates
- Certificate of Business Law
- Certificate of Business Law
- Certificate of Legal Studies
- Certificate of Native Title Studies
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate of Conflict and Dispute Resolution
- Graduate Certificate of Legal Studies
James Cook University Law Review
History of the JCULR
The James Cook University Law Review inaugural edition was published in 1994. The School of Law was established in the University in 1990 as the only regional Law School in Queensland.
It comprises original articles, case notes, book reviews and comments. Only previously unpublished material that has not been submitted for consideration by another journal will be accepted.