The ability to conduct research into complex legal problems and the ability to write about law, addressing a range of audiences, are essential skills for any lawyer. This course builds on the legal research and writing skills introduced in first year and acquired during compulsory courses throughout the degree to date. It will cover a range of research and writing topics.

Research related topics include identifying and framing research questions; different types of legal research (e.g. doctrinal and empirical); how to amass and assess information utilising a range of research techniques both traditional and digital, including complex online databases.

Writing related topics will include: the importance of knowing one's audience; effective written communication styles and techniques; how to structure different forms of legal writing (e.g. legal advice and academic writing).

The course will be taught in a series of modules by different experts covering a range of legal research and writing techniques. The course will likely include guest speakers who practise law in commercial and other contexts.

To develop their knowledge and skills, students will engage in a range of learning activities, including developing technical skills to design and use research in a project; and planning and executing a piece of research and scholarship independently.  

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Compare different types of legal research and evaluate their suitability for addressing a range of research questions
2. Investigate and apply a range of legal research techniques
3. Interpret, reflect on and implement research strategies that are ethically robust and which recognise and value diverse culture and traditions.
4. Construct and apply strategies for managing, organising, and assessing data
5. Choose appropriate forms of legal writing to communicate to a range of audiences
6. Develop a plan to address a specific legal research question

Research-Led Teaching

This course draws on research in legal theory, legal method, doctrinal research, empirical legal research, and critical and humanistic approaches to law. Students will engage with different understandings of legal research and develop skills in formulating, structuring and communicating legal arguments.

Required Resources

A full list of readings will be made available on Canvas two weeks prior to the course commencement date.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to the whole class, groups and/or individuals

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Task submission times refer to Canberra time (AEST/AEDT).

Extensions, late submission and penalties: https://law.anu.edu.au/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties

Extenuating circumstances: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/extenuating-circumstances-application

Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations

Penalties for excess word length: https://law.anu.edu.au/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties

Distribution of grades policy: https://law.anu.edu.au/grading

Assessment Reviews and Appeals: https://law.anu.edu.au/assessment-review-and-appeals

Further information about the course: is available from the course Canvas page. Students are required to access the Canvas site regularly throughout the course for any announcements relating to the course.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The ANU Academic Integrity website (https://www.anu.edu.au/students/academic-skills/academic-integrity ) provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as providing clear guidance on the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies.

The following resources may also be useful:

• The ANU Library's Libguide (https://libguides.anu.edu.au/generative-ai ) is a valuable resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in academia.

• The ANU Academic Skills site (https://www.anu.edu.au/students/academic-skills ) provides useful information to ensure that you leverage AI responsibly and effectively.

• The ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy Academic Integrity and Misconduct site (https://law.anu.edu.au/academic-integrity-and-misconduct) provides content related to legal implications, ethical guidelines, and considerations when dealing with AI in the context of law.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction: What is research?	The teaching in this course will consist of a weekly two-hour lecture from Week 1-12, and a weekly one-hour research skills workshop from Week 2-12. All students who are enrolled in this course must attend the lecture, and enrol in one of the available research skills workshops using MyTimetable.In line with the University’s recording policy, lectures will be recorded and made available for students on Echo360. However, lecture recordings are only an additional resource and they should not be taken as a substitute for regular attendance. If a recording does fail, there is no guarantee a replacement recording will be provided.No workshop
2	Law as a Legal Science I: Legal System	Workshop runs from Week 2-12.
3	Law as a Legal Science II: Jural Relations
4	Law as a Legal Science III: Case Law	A formative activity will take place in Week 4 workshops. This activity is designed to give students an opportunity to receive feedback on their progress in the course.
5	The Doctrinal Research Method
6	Law as a Social Science I: American Legal Realism
7	Law as a Social Science II: Scandinavian Legal Realism
8	The Empirical Research Method
9	Law as a Humanistic Discipline I: Analytical Approaches
10	Law as a Humanistic Discipline II: Critical Approaches
11	The Hermeneutic Research Method
12	Conclusion: Search and Research

Tutorial Registration

There are no tutorials in this course. Students are still required to allocate themselves to the appropriate scheduled activities in MyTimetable. Teaching in this course will consist of a weekly two-hour lecture from Week 1 to Week 12, and a weekly one-hour workshop from Week 2 to Week 12. All students enrolled in this course must attend the lecture and allocate themselves to one of the available workshops using MyTimetable.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Mid-Semester Essay	30 %	07/09/2026	07/10/2026	1,2,3,4,5,6
Final Essay	70 %	05/11/2026	09/12/2026	1,2,3,4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

For all courses taught in any mode (whether face to face or online), the ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy considers participation in the classes offered to be an important part of the educational experience of the program. Students are expected to attend all classes.

Examination(s)

There is no final examination for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Mid-Semester Essay

Details of Task: The mid-semester essay should answer the question that is posed, and follow the instructions provided.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of 0 for this assessment task.

Weighting: 30%

Word Limit: 1,200 words. The ANU Law School's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Submission Requirements: Footnotes should be used for the referencing of all sources. All references should be compliant with the current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation. Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted.

Release: The question will be released in Week 1, with potential clarifications issued in later weeks.

Due Date: 5pm, Monday 7 September 2026. Late submissions without an extension are permitted, although late penalties will apply.

Estimated Return Date: Wednesday 7 October 2026.

Assessment Criteria: 

Content

• Answer the question
• Ability to evaluate materials critically.
• Quality and precision of supporting arguments.
• Ability to anticipate and respond to possible objections.
• Where necessary, use of appropriately chosen examples.

Structure

• Clarity and coherence of structure and argument.
• Construction of a sustained argument, including the avoidance of irrelevant discussion and repetition.

Expression

• Clarity and precision of use of language.
• Conventional spelling, grammar and syntax.
• Avoidance of waffle.
• Prose easy to read, argument easy to follow.
• Compliance with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation.

Assessment Task 2

Final Essay

Details of Task: The final essay should answer the question that is posed, and follow the instructions provided.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of 0 for this assessment task.

Weighting: 70%

Word Limit: 2,800 words. The ANU Law School's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Submission Requirements: Footnotes should be used for the referencing of all sources. All references should be compliant with the current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation. Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted.

Release: The question will be released in Week 7, with potential clarifications issued in later weeks.

Due Date: 5pm, Thursday 5 November 2026. Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, but late penalties will apply. Please be aware that if you are in your final course(s), any late submissions may delay your conferral date.

Estimated Return Date: 9 December 2026.

Assessment Criteria: 

Content

• Answer the question
• Ability to evaluate materials critically.
• Quality and precision of supporting arguments.
• Ability to anticipate and respond to possible objections.
• Where necessary, use of appropriately chosen examples.

Structure

• Clarity and coherence of structure and argument.
• Construction of a sustained argument, including the avoidance of irrelevant discussion and repetition.

Expression

• Clarity and precision of use of language.
• Conventional spelling, grammar and syntax.
• Avoidance of waffle.
• Prose easy to read, argument easy to follow.
• Compliance with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. You must ensure that you upload the correct document on the specified submission due date and time. Any document modified after the due date and time will either incur a late penalty or will NOT be accepted. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education), submission must be through Turnitin in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). Electronic copies in .pdf file format are not acceptable.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

• Late submission is not accepted for tests or examinations.

• Late submission with an extension. To ensure equity for all students, the 5% penalty per working day for late submission of work does not apply if you have been granted an extension. Where an extension is granted, the revised due date and submission time will be provided in writing. Importantly, any revised due date is inclusive of weekends and public holidays. Regardless of which day of the week the revised due date falls on, students who submit after that date will be penalised by 5% of the possible marks available for the task per 24-hour period.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

All marks and feedback will be provided by the return date listed in the class summary.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

• Maximum Submissions: Students can submit up to three times per assessment.

• Final Submission Counts: Only the last uploaded version will be marked — provided it is uploaded before marking begins.

• Late Submissions: If submitted after the due date, the final version will still be marked, but late penalties will apply (unless an extension has been approved).

• No Submissions After Return Date: Once the return-of-assessment date has passed, NO submissions will be accepted.

• Marking Already Started: If a marker has already begun marking a version, that version will be the one assessed — even if a newer one is uploaded later.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students