300-level

LLAW300
Pacific Legal Studies
Description
This course offers an introduction to the law and legal systems in Pacific island countries and territories. It examines customary law and its relationship with state law against a background of legal pluralism and cultural relativism. It provides students with the opportunity to place law within a regional context and undertake research of regional significance. This course may be available to students enrolled in other degrees (with waiver of co-requisites). This course is offered in alternate years.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS301
Equity and Trusts
Description
The principles of equity with particular reference to the law of trusts. The principles of the law of succession and of the administration of estates. Choses in action and their assignment.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110, LAWS203, LAWS205 and LAWS206
Co-requisites
LAWS202 and LAWS204, LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS303
Advanced Employment Law
Description
This course offers a rigorous academic exploration of advanced employment law, with a focus on legal developments shaping the future of work. As technological, societal, economic, and environmental changes continue to redefine the workplace, this course critically examines how legal systems - through legislation, judicial decisions, and regulatory frameworks - are responding to these transformations. The course is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of emerging and complex legal issues in employment, with an emphasis on how innovation and flexibility can be balanced with the protection of worker rights. Through a combination of theoretical analysis and practical case studies, students will engage with contemporary challenges in employment law that are directly relevant to evolving work environments.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, LAWS363
Restrictions
LAWS318
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS305
Company Law
Description
The course aims to provide a sound academic grounding in key areas of company law. It will examine the key topics of company incorporation, separate corporate personality, company constitutions and shareholder agreements, company capacity, legal relationships with third parties, company liability for criminal and civil wrongs, allocation of power within a company, shareholders in general meeting, the board of directors, duties of directors, equity financing, accounts and disclosure, and enforcement.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110 from 2013
Restrictions
LAWS312
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LLAW306
Special Topic: International Dispute Resolution
Description
A course to familiarise students with the different facets of international dispute resolution and some substantive matters that are the subject of international dispute resolution, including international commercial litigation, international arbitration and international mediation, and public international dispute resolution.
Occurrences
Summer Jan 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, Subject to approval of Head of School
Co-requisites
LAWS202-206
LAWS307
The Principles of Evidence
Description
The course aims to provide a sound academic grounding in key principles of the law of evidence. It will examine the key topics of relevance, reliability, probative value, illegitimate prejudice, the influence of human rights, burden of proof, rules of inadmissibility (including hearsay, veracity and propensity and privilege), and trial procedure. In focusing on these key aspects of the law of evidence this course will adopt a strong principle based approach in which the theoretical underpinnings of the development of the law will be examined and discussed.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
LAWS316, CRJU308
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS309
Child and Family Law
Description
The course aims to provide a sound academic grounding in key areas of Child and Family Law, including Dispute Resolution, Guardianship, Parenting Orders, Child Abduction, Child Abuse and Domestic Violence.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110 from 2013
Restrictions
LAWS317
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS314
Environmental Law, Policy and Society
Description
The nature of environmental law; the merits and disadvantages of statutory and common law approaches to environmental issues; the evolution of environmental concern; particular legal problems arising out of the nature of environmental issues; the precautionary principle; philosophies of human relations with the natural world; possible implications of environmental necessity for political, social, constitutional and economic organisation; environmental economics and issues of public and private property; historical and present-day case studies.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
LAWS304
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LLAW314
Serious Financial Crime
Description
The course examines the nature of selected types of serious financial crime, including money laundering, terrorist financing, corruption, and investment frauds. It offers an introduction to the related laws, institutions, and countermeasures against these crimes in New Zealand and internationally. It also identifies the main challenges in combating the emerging financial crime typologies that are committed transnationally and/or use new technologies.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, LAWS202 or CRJU202
Restrictions
CRJU314
Co-requisites
LAWS203-LAWS206
LLAW315
Mental Health and Criminal Justice
Description
This course equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the impact of mental health on every aspect of the criminal justice system. The course considers the changing landscape of mental health attitudes, policy and legislation, and the importance of bicultural competence and evidence-based policy and law making in this context. Students will gain valuable knowledge and skills regarding the role of mental health in the explanation of crime. In addition. students will learn about the roles of the various agencies and experts involved where the mental health of offenders, victims and people who work in the criminal justice field are concerned.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
LAWS202
Restrictions
CRJU315
LAWS320
NZ Bill of Rights Act 1990
Description
The course focuses on the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, and involves consideration of the origins and theory behind the legislation and comparison with similar laws in other jurisdictions. There will be case studies of certain protected rights (eg freedom of speech, rights to legal representation in criminal trials, freedom from unreasonable search and seizure).
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110 from 2013
Co-requisites
LAWS202-206, LAWS202-LAWS206
LLAW320
Special Topic: Advanced Writing Skills
Description
This course opens the bonnet on the English language to demonstrate not only how it works, but also how to tune it. It teaches conscious practical skills that students can apply to legal and all their writing. It will show students how to please and hold a reader. By teaching clarity of expression it will also foster clarity of thought. The ability to write well, with clarity of thought and expression, is an essential and prized skill for employers in legal practice and outside it. It is a key skill to acquire or polish as law students prepare to graduate and look for employment.
Occurrences
Summer Nov 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, Must have passed either LAWS301 or a minimum 15 points of 300 level courses listed in Schedule E to the regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Laws.
Co-requisites
LAWS202 - LAWS206
LAWS321
International Criminal Law
Description
International Criminal Law introduces students to the nature and cause of international crimes and to the mechanisms for the suppression and punishment of these crimes through international law.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
CRJU309, ILAP604
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LLAW322
Harvard Internship
Description
This course offers an internship with a Legal Clinic at Harvard University which specialises in assisting with Immigration and Refugee issues. Students will spend a minimum of four weeks' (80 hours) internship working as a live-client adviser under supervision in the clinics.
Occurrences
Approved Start 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
LAWS202 - 206 and LAWS323 and LAWS386 (equivalent courses from other Universities will be considered) and subject to a special application to the Director of Clinical Legal Studies and a selection process.
LAWS323
Immigration and Refugee Law
Description
An examination of selected domestic and international issues in immigration and refugee law.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110 from 2013
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LLAW323
Fintech and the Law
Description
This course introduces students to the fintech phenomenon and its transformative effect on the financial services industry. It provides insights into innovative financial products like peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, crowdfunding, buy-now-pay-later (BNPL), robo-advice, blockchain, cryptocurrencies/digital assets etc. The course will also examine some of the legal and regulatory issues that arise from the interactions between fintech and the law (such as the legal status of cryptocurrencies) as well as how regulators are responding to these issues in New Zealand and globally.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Co-requisites
LAWS202 - 206
LAWS324
Principles of Public International Law
Description
Introduction to international law that applies to states and other international legal persons and provides the framework for international diplomacy in times of peace and war.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
LAWS342, LAWS375 (prior to 2006)
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LLAW325
Special Topic
Description
Special Topic in Law
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Co-requisites
LAWS202 - 206
LAWS326
Treaty Settlement Negotiations
Description
An examination of the New Zealand Treaty of Waitangi claims settlement process. This course provides an introduction to the wider context of Treaty settlements including legislation, policy and specific negotiations.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LLAW326
Special Topic
Description
Special Topic in Law
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Co-requisites
LAWS202-206
LAWS327
International Environmental Law
Description
Challenges and institutional responses to global environmental problems, including global warming. This course is offered in alternate years.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, LAWS324
Restrictions
ILAP612
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS330
Intellectual Property Law
Description
An introduction to intellectual property law in New Zealand, including copyright, registered trade marks, passing off, and patents.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS331
Commercial Law I: Sales and Consumer Law
Description
The course involves a detailed study of the law relating to sale of goods, consumer guarantees, fair trading and other consumer protection legislation.
Occurrences
Summer Nov 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110 from 2013
Restrictions
LAWS311
Co-requisites
LAWS202-206, LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS332
Commercial Law II: Personal Property Security and Credit
Description
The course involves a detailed study of the law relating to personal securities, as well as associated topics such as credit contracts.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110 from 2013
Restrictions
LAWS311
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS338
World Trade Law
Description
An examination of the major agreements and institutions relating to international trade.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
ILAP608
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS339
Negotiation and the Lawyer
Description
Theory and Practice of client interviewing, negotiation and mediation, lawyers' roles and professional responsibility.
Occurrences
Summer Jan 2026
Summer Nov 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, Must have passed either LAWS301 or a minimum 15 points of 300 level courses listed in Schedule E to the regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Laws.
Restrictions
LAWS369 (prior to 2006)
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS344
Gender and the Law
Description
This course will provide an introduction to feminist legal theory and analyse areas of law that raise gender issues, including in a bicultural context.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (i) LAWS101 and (ii) LAWS110
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206, LAWS202-LAWS206. Students enrolled in other degrees at 300 level, who do not have the above prerequisites and corequisites, but have completed appropriate courses in another discipline, may apply to the Head of Department for a waiver.
LAWS348
Research Project
Description
Note: Students must have a B average in LAWS courses in order to enrol in this course.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (i) LAWS101; (ii) LAWS110; and (iii) Head of Department permission mandatory, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110 from 2013, Head of Department permission mandatory
Restrictions
LAWS379 (prior to 2006)
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS352
Taxation Law
Description
An introduction to income tax. The course also includes tax planning and tax avoidance, and the role of lawyers in tax investigations and dispute resolution.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
LAWS394 (1999), LAWS395 (2000-2001)
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS359
Trial Advocacy
Description
Theory and practice of trial advocacy.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (i) LAWS101 and (ii) LAWS110 from 2013; (iii) LAWS316 or LAWS307., (i) LAWS101 and (ii) LAWS110; (iii) LAWS316 or LAWS307., LAWS316 or LAWS307.
Restrictions
LAWS389 (prior to 2006), LAWS397
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS362
Disasters and the Law
Description
This course provides students with the knowledge to incorporate awareness of disaster law into their future studies and careers. The course ensures that students are provided with a broad overview of the role of law in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and their management (DRM) in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific region and the globe. Key foundational topics include the theory of disasters, the disaster "cycle" and the importance of vulnerability to an understanding of the role of law in disasters. The course also provides students with key practical examples of the role and importance of law in the understanding of disasters and the practice of disaster management. These examples are drawn from a variety of legal disciplines, across public, private and criminal law. The specific examples will draw upon UC’s internationally recognised expertise (and guest lecturers) in the field of disaster law and may include, but are not limited to, topics such as family law, resource management, insurance, criminal justice, privacy law, legal obligations and employment law as they apply to all aspects of the disaster "cycle".
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS363
Employment Law
Description
The information set out below is a guide to what the course is likely to include: - Introductory lectures briefly cover key concepts under the Employment Relations Act; - Issues arising in pre-employment; - The law relating to classification of an "employment agreement" as distinct from other contracts for the performance of work and, particularly, the principal/independent contractor relationship; - Formation of individual employment agreements (for example, the requirement to bargain in good faith, minimum statutory requirements as to content, and incorporation of terms); - Operation of individual employment agreements (for example, the role of good faith under s 4 of the Employment Relations Act and significant implied terms, such as the duty not to disclose confidential information); - Intro to Employment Law institutions - focusing on Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court; - Personal grievance claims (with a focus on unjustifiable dismissal and unjustifiable disadvantageous action); - Enforcement of the employment agreement through compliance orders, interpretation disputes, penalties, and damages; - Critical examination of the key topics of freedom of association, unions, collective bargaining and strikes and lockouts.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
LAWS318
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS366
Sentencing Theory and Practice
Description
Theoretical bases for sentencing: just deserts, utilitarianism and other theories. Plea negotiation. Sentencing Act 2002- process, principles and practice. Probation and parole. Proceeds of Crime legislation.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (1) CRJU201; and (2) CRJU202 or LAWS202. RP: CRJU307/LAWS365, CRJU202 or LAWS202. RP: CRJU201/SOCI218; CRJU307/LAWS365
Restrictions
LAWS337; CRJU301
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS371
International Investment Law and Arbitration
Description
The course examines selected problems in international investment law and arbitration relevant to a New Zealand context.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
LAWS333 and ILAP634
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS373
Washington Internship
Description
Enrolment is open to recipients of Washington Internship only. In any year only two awards will be made. Application details are available from the School of Law.
Occurrences
Approved Start 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (i) Open to successful recipients of Washington Internship only. Subject to approval by Head of Department. (ii) LAWS101 and (iii) LAWS110., Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
Co-requisites
LAWS202 - LAWS206 Enrolment is open to recipients of Washington Internship only.
LAWS380
Contemporary Issues in Criminal Procedure
Description
What is Criminal Procedure? This course will discuss a brief synopsis of the theory of criminal procedure. It will look at the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, differing categories of offences, prosecuting agencies (Police v Crown). Students will explore the roles that different judicial officers such as JP’s, Magistrates and Judges play in the criminal system while looking at arrests and/or court summons orders to court. This course will look at the requirements for a valid first arrest, opposition to bail, legal aid, pleas, sentencing indication and pre-trial applications. Students will explore the differences between Judge only trials and Jury trials, Jury pre-trial callovers and sentencing. LAWS380 will also take a more in-depth look at the lawfulness of police searches, dealing with mental health issues in criminal law and the issue of double jeopardy.
Occurrences
Summer Jan 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, LAWS202 or CRJU202, LAWS202 or CRJU202 and have passed either LAWS301 or a minimum 15 points of 300 level courses listed in Schedule E to the regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Laws.
Restrictions
CRJU312
Co-requisites
LAWS203-LAWS206
LAWS382
Legal Internship
Description
This course assists students to develop and apply their legal knowledge and skills in workplace placements of 80 hours or more.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, Subject to approval of Head of School.
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS383
Law and Medicine
Description
A study of the main principles of law affecting medicine and medical practice. This course is offered in alternate years.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110
Restrictions
CRJU313
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS393
Contemporary Issues in Land Law
Description
Advanced study of contemporary concepts of real property. This course is offered in alternate years.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, LAWS205
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS204, LAWS206
LAWS396
Media Law
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110, (i) LAWS101; and (ii) LAWS110 from 2013
Restrictions
COMS233
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS397
Civil Procedure
Description
An examination of the principles of civil procedure, the underlying philosophy of the regulations of court proceedings, and an examination of the rules by which parties resolve disputes before civil tribunals.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
LAWS359
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LAWS398
Legal Ethics
Description
An introduction to ethical theories and their applicability to legal practice. The concept of a profession and the duties and responsibilities of lawyers.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
LAWS370 (prior to 2006), LAWS399 (prior to 2006)
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206

Not Offered Courses in 2026

300-level

LLAW316
Special Topic: Climate Law and Policy
Description
This course will enable students to develop a critical understanding of climate change law and policy in Aotearoa New Zealand. The course will examine climate law and policy in Aotearoa New Zealand through scenarios across a range of subfields, including environmental law, disaster law/resilience, Indigenous rights, commercial and tort law. The course will explore locally relevant developments related to climate law and policy in the international and regional (Pacific) context, including the influence of human rights and climate litigation.
Occurrences
LLAW316-26S2 (C)
Semester Two 2026 - Not offered
For further information see LLAW316 course details
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, BSENS: SENS201 and POLS206
Co-requisites
LLB: LAWS202 - LAWS206
LLAW317
Special Topic: Space Law and Policy
Description
This is a course focused on the legal principles relating to human activities in space, from the history of their development to their present-day application, as well as the policy areas of contention at a global and regional level. There will be particular attention on contemporary legal and policy issues such as military uses and applications, space tourism, and resource utilisation and exploitation.
Occurrences
LLAW317-26SU1 (C)
Summer Jan 2026 - Not offered
For further information see LLAW317 course details
Points
15 points
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LLAW318
International Cultural Heritage Law
Description
This course is intended to introduce students to the major institutions and some of the major normative texts that regulate and guide the protection of cultural heritage at the international level. It is designed to give students a solid understanding of the international legal frameworks for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage by introducing core legal instruments and institutions. Although this course will focus on international law, it will present where appropriate frameworks from across a range of domestic jurisdictions including Aotearoa New Zealand inviting a comparative approach to the protection and promotion of cultural heritage. This international subject matter will introduce students to a variety of historical and contemporary administrative, art, criminal, constitutional and property law issues which concern cultural heritage. These cross jurisdictional and cross cutting issues will challenge students to think critically about the current transnational approach to cultural heritage. Course materials and assessments will be drawn from a variety of primary and secondary sources including cases, commentary, legislation, popular media and other sources as appropriate.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see LLAW318 course details
Points
15 points
LLAW319
Special Topic: Cross-Border Business Transactions Law
Description
This course is designed to immerse you into the world of international business to understand the prevailing customs and practice of mercantile parties, analyse complex factual scenarios on a real-world basis, and be able to apply relevant principles of law to alleviate or eliminate exposures to risk.
Occurrences
LLAW319-26S1 (C)
Semester One 2026 - Not offered
For further information see LLAW319 course details
Points
15 points
Restrictions
ILAP619
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206
LLAW324
Biotrade and the Law
Description
LLAW324 Biotrade and the Law will provide students with key knowledge about legal and regulatory issues relevant to the broadly conceived area of biotrade. Such legal and regulatory issues include intellectual property protection for bio-based inventions and related products; access to biological and genetic resources in the context of modern conservation law; protection of Indigenous knowledge/matauranga Maori and the prevention of misappropriation; regulation of biotechnologies including through biosecurity protocols; and international commercialisation of bio-based products. The course will be of interest to postgraduate students who wish to specialise in intellectual property law, environmental law, tikanga Maori, and/or trade law.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see LLAW324 course details
Points
15 points
LAWS346
Commercial Law 3: Commercial Relationships
Description
This course covers fundamental principles of the law of agency, partnerships, trading trusts and joint ventures and the application of these in a range of commercial relationships.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see LAWS346 course details
Points
15 points
LAWS358
The Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Description
This course aims to give students a solid understanding of the international human rights law framework for the promotion and protection of Indigenous Rights.
Occurrences
LAWS358-26S2 (C)
Semester Two 2026 - Not offered
For further information see LAWS358 course details
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (i) LAWS101 and (ii) LAWS110. RP: LAWS322 International Human Rights Law
Co-requisites
LAWS202-LAWS206, LAWS202-LAWS206. Students enrolled in other degrees, who do not have the specified prerequisites and corequisites, but have completed appropriate courses in another discipline, may apply to the Head of Department for a waiver.
LAWS376
Resource Management Law: Selected Issues
Description
An introduction to the legal framework created for sustainable management of Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural and physical resources, pollution control, town planning and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles. This course focuses on the Law relating to resource management and environmental regulation, as they relate to contemporary issues. Current issues include contentious issues such as water rights, wind farms, emissions and, iwi involvement. Attendance at lectures is recommended for satisfactory completion of the course.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see LAWS376 course details
Points
15 points