Law (2022)

Law is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), the Bachelor of Arts (BA), and the Bachelor of Climate Change (BCC). Law may also be taken as a second major in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Faculty of Law Admissions Committee and the Division in which the student is enrolled.

The Law programme for the LLB is structured as follows:

Law 1 introduces students to the legal system, the relationship between culture and the law and legal system, legal reasoning, writing and research, and the constitutional framework.

Law 2 introduces the theories of law, the relationship between the state, administrative agencies and the individual, the law of contract, and the law of tort.

Law 3 covers the principles of private law and dispute resolution.

Law 4 focuses on specialist papers in Law.

To complete a major in Law for the LLB, students must complete the requirements specified in the LLB regulations.

To complete a major in Law for the BA or BCC, students must gain 135 points from the papers listed for Law, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must complete LEGAL103, LEGAL104, a minimum 45 points from any 200 level LEGAL papers, and 60 points from any 300 or 400 level LEGAL papers.

To complete Law as part of a double major, students must gain 120 points from the papers listed for Law, including 90 points above 100 level and 45 points above 200 level. Students must complete LEGAL103, LEGAL104, 45 points from any 200 level LEGAL papers, and 45 points from any 300 or 400 level LEGAL papers.

To complete a minor in Law, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the BA Law major, including at least 30 points above 100 level. Students must complete LEGAL103 and LEGAL104.

On this page

• Prescriptions for the DipLaw
• Prescriptions for the GradDip(DR)
• Prescriptions for the GradCert(Law), GradDip(Law) and GradDip(NZLegSt) [1]
• Prescriptions for the PGCert(Law), PGDip(Law), LLB(Hons), LLM and LLM(Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples)
• Prescriptions for the MPhil
• Prescriptions for the PhD and SJD
• Prescriptions for the LLD
• 100 Level
• 200 Level
• 300 Level
• 400 Level
• 500 Level
• 800 Level
• 900 Level

• Prescriptions for the DipLaw

  To complete a DipLaw students must complete LEGAL103, LEGAL104, LEGAL106, LEGAL201, LEGAL204 and LEGAL207.

• Prescriptions for the GradDip(DR)

  The Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution provides a practical and theoretical exploration of the processes of dispute resolution, and utilises the experience and expertise developed within the Faculty of Law, and the Schools of Management, and Education. Graduates of this qualification will satisfy the academic requirements for Associate status of the Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ). For entry to the Graduate Diploma, candidates must have either a bachelors degree in any discipline or relevant work experience considered to be equivalent.

  The programme consists of papers totalling 120 points, comprising LEGAL205, LCOMM302, LEGAL306 and LEGAL449, and electives totalling 60 points chosen from HMDEV340, LEGAL405, LEGAL420, LEGAL434, or LEGAL490. One of the electives can be substituted for a fourth year law paper approved by the Director of the Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution.

  For the purposes of the Graduate Diploma, LEGAL205 is a corequisite for LEGAL306 and a prerequisite for the Law elective papers, and LEGAL306 is a prerequisite for LEGAL449.

  Note: LEGAL205, LEGAL306 and LEGAL449 are requirements for admission to Associate status in AMINZ.

• Prescriptions for the GradCert(Law), GradDip(Law) and GradDip(NZLegSt) [1]

  A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Law at an advanced level in their first degree.

  For further details, contact the Faculty of Law Office.

  [1] The GradDip(NZLegSt) will not be offered in 2022.

• Prescriptions for the PGCert(Law), PGDip(Law), LLB(Hons), LLM and LLM(Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples)

  The LLB(Hons) includes 60 points chosen from LEGAL509, LEGAL523, LEGAL526, LEGAL528, LEGAL531, LEGAL555, LEGAL569, LEGAL574, LEGAL576, LEGAL580, LEGAL590, LEGAL591, LEGAL592, LEGAL593 or LEGAL594. Students enrolling in the Honours programme may be subject to prerequisite and corequisite requirements.

  The LLM comprises 120 points, including LEGAL509 and 105 points from any other 500-level LEGAL coded papers.

  The LLM(Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples) comprises 120 points, including LEGAL509 and 105 points from any other 500-level LEGAL coded papers.

• Prescriptions for the MPhil

  The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.

• Prescriptions for the PhD and SJD

  The Doctor of Philosophy is a four year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.

  The [Doctor of Juridical Science] (https://calendar.waikato.ac.nz/regulations/higher/sjd) consists of a research portfolio and a thesis which makes a contribution to knowledge consistent with at least three years of full-time research.

• Prescriptions for the LLD

  The Doctor of Laws higher doctorate degree may be awarded to candidates who successfully present for examination a collection of work, or a specially composed thesis based on such work, that constitutes an original, substantial and distinguished contribution to scholarship and establishes the candidate as an international authority in their particular field of study.

  The level of attainment required for the Doctor of Laws (LEGAL990) is very substantially higher than that required for the PhD degree in Law and its award carries great prestige within the University, the international academic community and the legal profession. The successful award of this degree will normally reflect a significant body of post-doctoral work of international quality published over a sustained period.

  Applications for the award of the Doctor of Laws degree may be submitted at any time to the School of Graduate Research in accordance with University regulations.

• 100 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  LEGAL100	Pre Law	15.0	22JS (Hamilton)
  Introduction to core topics and skills in legal studies. Topics include law making and the legislature, the court system, common law and cases. Skills include written and oral advocacy skills, legal research, client interviewing, and group work.
  LEGAL103	Legal Method A	15.0	22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
  This paper introduces students to the study and practice of law in New Zealand. With a particular focus on criminal law, the paper will teach you the basics of legal methods, including legal research, reasoning, opinion writing, statutory interpretation and case analysis.
  LEGAL104	Legal Method B	15.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  Using the law of contract by way of illustration, this paper teaches students crucial approaches to statutory interpretation and case analysis, and introduces students to the key legal skill of mooting.
  LEGAL105	Introduction to New Zealand Law and Society	15.0	22A (Online) & 22B (Online)
  An introduction for non lawyers to the nature and functions of law and the processes of lawmaking. The relationship between law and society will be illustrated by relevant examples.
  LEGAL106	Legal Systems and Societies	30.0	22D (Hamilton) & 22D (Tauranga)
  An introduction to the history, sources, context and institutions of law in Aotearoa/New Zealand, with particular reference to statute, custom as illustrated by Maori customary law and the common law, and the distinctive position of the Treaty of Waitangi.

• 200 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  LEGAL201	Public Law	30.0	22D (Hamilton) & 22D (Tauranga)
  Part One examines the principles of constitutionalism and the framework of the New Zealand system of government. Part Two examines the exercise and control of executive power in New Zealand and the relationship between the state, its agencies and the individual.
  LEGAL203	Jurisprudence	15.0	22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
  An analysis of legal theories and ideologies, emphasising different approaches to the meaning of law, examining the relationship between theory and practice, illustrated by the concepts of sovereignty, liability, property, justice, rights and personality.
  LEGAL204	Contracts	30.0	22D (Hamilton) & 22D (Tauranga)
  This paper is an introduction to the theory of contract; the general principles relating to the operation, formation and discharge of contract; and the general principles of agency. It is a core paper for the Council for Legal Education (CLE).
  LEGAL205	Foundations in Legal Studies	15.0	22A (Online)
  A paper to provide students with a basic understanding of the New Zealand legal system, and an introduction to the law of torts, contract, agency, sale of goods and services, persons, including corporate bodies, property and consumer legislation.
  LEGAL207	Torts	30.0	22D (Hamilton) & 22D (Tauranga)
  An analysis of the general principles of civil liability; interests protected by the law of torts; negligence; specific torts such as nuisance and defamation; and the law relating to compensation for personal injury by accident in New Zealand.

• 300 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  HMDEV340	Perspectives on Counselling	15.0	22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
  This paper examines the philosophical, psychological and sociological principles that underpin the aims and methods of the helping professions in general, and counselling in particular.
  LEGAL300	Law and Bioethics	15.0	22A (Hamilton)
  This is a survey course designed to develop students' understanding of key issues in Medical Law and Bioethics within the legislative and policy framework of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
  LEGAL301	Crimes	30.0	22D (Hamilton)
  An analysis of the general principles of criminal law and selected offences chargeable under New Zealand law; an introduction to criminal procedure from arrest to sentencing in both jury and judge-alone trials (excluding evidence); and an introduction to the criminal justice system.
  LEGAL304	Corporate Entities	15.0	22A (Hamilton)
  An introduction to the concept of corporate personality in the law including an introduction to the general principles of law relating to companies and other corporates.
  LEGAL306	Dispute Resolution	15.0	22B (Hamilton)
  The objective/ethos of the paper is to expose students to the theory, general principles and practical dimensions of client interviewing, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, adjudication and advocacy. Once the students have a basic knowledge of these skills, the paper then examines how these skills are applied within certain conte...
  LEGAL307	Land Law	30.0	22D (Hamilton)
  An analysis of the history, principles and bicultural context of land law.
  LEGAL308	Equity and Succession	15.0	22A (Hamilton)
  An analysis of the principles of equity with particular reference to the laws of trusts, the principle of the law of succession and the administration of estates, and choses in action and the assignment thereof.

• 400 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  LEGAL401	The Law of Evidence	15.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  An examination of the principles of the law of evidence in criminal and civil cases.
  LEGAL402	Civil Procedure	15.0	22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
  An examination of the jurisdiction and procedure of the District Court, High Court and Court of Appeal in civil cases, with particular emphasis on High Court proceedings, the principles of pleading and the drafting of documents.
  LEGAL404	Commercial Transactions	15.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  An examination of the law on sale of goods, personal property securities, credit contracts and consumer finance, and aspects of fair trading and consumer guarantees law.
  LEGAL405	Treaty of Waitangi in Contemporary Aotearoa/New Zealand	15.0	22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
  An examination of the Treaty of Waitangi 1840 in contemporary Aotearoa/New Zealand. Consideration will be given to ways in which the Treaty guarantees might best be realised in relation to the legal system, health, education, resource management and local government.
  LEGAL406	Māori Land Law	15.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  An examination of the legal practices applicable to Maori land; the history of Maori land legislation, present laws and practices, the effective utilisation of Maori land and proposals for future utilisation.
  LEGAL407	Climate Change Law	15.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  This paper addresses the law concerning climate change, including international law, emissions trading and other carbon pricing systems, sectoral regulation to mitigate emissions, sequestration, and adaptation.
  LEGAL408	Family Law	15.0	22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
  A focus on the law and social policies involved in the formation and breakdown of family relationships. The paper specifically examines the matrix of legislation and case law that underpin common family law disputes and legal proceedings in the Family Court.
  LEGAL409	Law and New Technologies	15.0	22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
  New technologies often present novel problems for regulators and the legislature. This paper will explore selected new technologies through the lens of law, by analysing legal issues and responses to new technologies.
  LEGAL410	Charity Law	15.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  A detailed examination of Charity law and its public law role in the regulation of civil society.
  LEGAL413	Ngā Tikanga Māori/Māori Customary Law	15.0	22C (Hamilton) & 22C (Tauranga)
  This paper is designed for students who wish to function skillfully in the field of Indigenous and Maori law and/or deepen their knowledge of Tikanga Maori.
  LEGAL419	Research Clerk	15.0	22X (Hamilton)
  This is an opportunity to answer a question of law while being immersed in a professional work environment. An opportunity to develop and show-case your critical thinking, research, writing and oratory skills. Expect a wide variety of research clerk opportunities to choose from as we partner with the likes of law firms, legal pract...
  LEGAL420	Employment Law	15.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  This course is a practical survey of employment law in New Zealand. It examines the formation, operation, and termination of the employment relationship as well as personal grievances, remedies and the employment institutions.
  LEGAL424	Revenue Law	15.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  An introduction to some of the key principles and concepts of New Zealand's taxation system. Selected aspects of income tax law as well as the law on indirect taxes, such as the goods and services tax, will also be examined.
  LEGAL428	Foreign Investment Law	15.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  An examination of the standards of protection of foreign investment in international agreements and the main requirements contemplated in the Overseas Investment legislation for overseas persons investing in New Zealand.
  LEGAL432	Energy Law	15.0	No occurrences
  An examination of the law concerning global energy problems, oil and gas, renewables, markets, energy efficiency and climate change, with an emphasis on regulation and commercial aspects. The course provides an introduction to themes in modern energy law.
  LEGAL434	Environmental Law	15.0	22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
  This paper examines the foundations and principles of environmental and resource management law, their expression in key areas (biodiversity, climate change, freshwater, and oceans), and the planning, adjudication and compliance techniques used to implement the law.
  LEGAL435	Cyber Law	15.0	22B (Online)
  An exploration of the impact of the internet, including aspects of both criminal and civil arenas, with special emphasis on cybercrime, intellectual property, and e-business.
  LEGAL436	Legal Ethics	15.0	22A (Hamilton)
  An introduction to the concept of a profession and the ethical and professional duties of practitioners and an introduction to ethical analysis, the applicability of legal analysis to legal practice and the wider responsibilities of lawyers in the community.
  LEGAL437	Public International Law	15.0	22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
  An introduction to public international law: evolution, sources, relationship between international and municipal law, the law of treaties, the law of the sea and international institutions, particularly the United Nations.
  LEGAL440	Pacific Peoples and the Law	15.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  A critical study and comparison of legal systems and issues within the Pacific Region.
  LEGAL442	Human Rights Law	15.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  An introduction to the laws governing the protection of human rights both at the national and international level. Students will explore the framework of human rights protection and the enforcement mechanisms.
  LEGAL449	Mediation: Law, Principles and Practice	15.0	22G (Hamilton)
  This paper will offer students an opportunity to understand mediation at an advanced level. It will examine legal aspects of mediation, theories in relation to practice as well as practical training and skill development.
  LEGAL451	International Criminal Law	15.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  International criminal law introduces students to the development of the basic concepts and institutions of international criminal law, the legal nature and elements of international crimes and the general principles of international criminal law, and to the rules of international criminal procedure and evidence.
  LEGAL456	New Zealand Animal Law	15.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  A survey of New Zealand's current regime of Animal Law, including related to animal production, welfare, use in/as sport, research, control, trade and conservation.
  LEGAL457	Insurance Law	15.0	22C (Hamilton) & 22C (Tauranga)
  This paper provides an introduction to the principles which underpin indemnity insurance, with particular reference to those principles which set insurance contracts apart from other contracts.
  LEGAL466	International Environmental Law	15.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  This paper provides a synthesis of theory and specific case studies, to enable students to understand the most formidable international environmental problems in international law, and the context from which these problems originate. Working with thematic areas of international environmental law, ranging from climate change to biol...
  LEGAL468	Intellectual Property	15.0	22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
  A study of the law of intellectual property in New Zealand, including the law of copyright, trade secrets, patents, designs, trade marks, fair-trading and passing off.
  LEGAL480	Banking and Finance Law	15.0	22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
  An examination of the law relating to the structuring and implementation of all forms of financing, funding and finance structures, including unit trusts, subordinated debt issues, and structured finance and securitisation transactions.
  LEGAL481	Immigration and Refugee Law	15.0	22C (Hamilton) & 22C (Tauranga)
  A detailed examination of Immigration and Refugee Law as applied in the New Zealand and International contexts.
  LEGAL490	Directed Study	15.0	22A (Hamilton), 22B (Hamilton) & 22C (Hamilton)
  This paper is open to suitably qualified students who, under supervision of one or more academic staff members with experience in the appropriate area(s), engage in research leading to the production of the equivalent of a 6000 to 8000 word research assignment.
  LEGAL496	Work Placement	15.0	22X (Hamilton)
  This paper enables students to undertake work placement in an area related to their specialisation as part of their LLB and to consolidate that work placement with a 3,000 - 4,000 word research paper.
  LEGAL497	Work Placement	30.0	22X (Hamilton)
  This is a work placement paper designed to provide a 30 point credit towards the LLB degree. This paper enables students to undertake work placement in an area related to their major as part of their degree. Students work in a chosen field for a period of time in order to gain valuable work experience and learn from experts in thei...

• 500 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  LEGAL509	Legal Research: Theory and Methods	15.0	22A (Online)
  This paper tackles the key areas and aspects of conducting scholarly legal research and guides students through the research and writing process.
  LEGAL526	Legal Aspects of Cyber Security	30.0	22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
  This paper explores the legal aspects of cyber security and cyber crime, by analysing selected legislation and case law relevant to the area of cyber security. The paper covers the ethical and legal boundaries of rights and liability of security professionals.
  LEGAL527	Advanced Issues in Charity Law	30.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  Charity law retains its ancient roots, whilst at the same time, striving to reflect its relevance in a contemporary world. This paper enables students to explore advanced issues in national and international charity law, which is a growing area of legal practice and research.
  LEGAL528	Advanced Foreign Investment Law	30.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  This paper will provide students with an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the law and policies of present-day international trade regulations, both on the multilateral level (and hence an intensive examination of the procedural and substantive law of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)) and on the regional level (the law of F...
  LEGAL535	Advanced Environmental Law	30.0	22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
  An advanced-level examination of the foundations and principles of environmental and resource management law, and the planning, consenting, adjudication and compliance techniques used to implement the law.
  LEGAL540	Critical Issues for Pacific Peoples and the Law	30.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  An advanced-level examination of critical issues for Pacific Peoples and the Law.
  LEGAL552	Critical Issues in International Criminal Law	30.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  An advanced-level examination of liability for international crimes including jurisdiction, international courts and tribunals, and applicable principles of law.
  LEGAL556	Advanced New Zealand Animal Law	30.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  An advanced-level examination of New Zealand's current regime of Animal Law.
  LEGAL569	International Law - A Place for Indigenous Rights	30.0	22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
  The purpose of this paper is to focus on the historical and developing place within International Law, and the United Nations, of the rights for Indigenous Peoples. The influence of the State on this process together the coinciding Indigenous rights to development, education, environmental rights and economic rights will be examine...
  LEGAL576	The Laws of Armed Conflict & International Humanitarian Law	30.0	22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
  This paper is designed to provide the postgraduate student with an advanced understanding of the basic principles of the Laws of Armed Conflict and International Humanitarian Law through an examination of the principles of international law that are to be applied before, during, and after armed conflict.
  LEGAL580	Advanced Banking and Finance Law	15.0	22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
  An advanced-level examination of the law relating to the structuring and implementation of all forms of financing, funding and finance structures, including unit trusts, subordinated debt issues, and structured finance and securitisation transactions.
  LEGAL590	Directed Study	15.0	22X (Hamilton)
  Completion of a 10,000 word dissertation regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty.
  LEGAL591	Dissertation	30.0	22X (Hamilton)
  Completion of a 12,500 word dissertation regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty.
  LEGAL592	Dissertation	60.0	22X (Hamilton)
  Completion of a 25,000 word dissertation regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty.
  LEGAL593	Thesis	90.0	22X (Hamilton)
  Completion of a 38,000 word thesis regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty.

• 800 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  LEGAL800	Law MPhil Thesis	120.0	22I (Hamilton), 22J (Hamilton), 22K (Hamilton) & 22X (Hamilton)
  Completion of a 50,000 word thesis regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty.

• 900 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  LEGAL900	Law PhD Thesis	120.0	22I (Hamilton), 22J (Hamilton), 22K (Hamilton), 22L (Hamilton) & 22X (Hamilton)
  Completion of a 80,000 - 100,000 word thesis regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty.
  LEGAL990	Doctor of Laws	0.0	22X (Hamilton)
  No description available.
  LEGAL994	SJD Thesis	120.0	22X (Hamilton)
  Completion of a 60,000 word thesis regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty.
  LEGAL995	Research Portfolio	120.0	22X (Hamilton)
  The production of two publishable quality research papers, and the production of a research proposal to the same level as a PhD proposal, regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty.