Law (2023)

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) and GradDip(Law)
• Prescriptions for the PGCert(Law/LS), PGDip(Law/LS), LLB(Hons), LLM, LLM(Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples), MJur and MLS
• 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, LEGAL408, LEGAL420, or LEGAL434. One of the electives can be substituted for any other 400-level LEGAL coded paper (excluding LEGAL490) approved by the Faculty.

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

• Prescriptions for the GradCert(Law) and GradDip(Law)

  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.

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

  The PGCert(Law) comprises 60 points, including LEGAL507 and 30 points from any other 500-level LEGAL coded papers.

  The PGCert(LS) comprises 60 points, including LEGAL506 and LEGAL507.

  The PGDip(Law) comprises 120 points, including LEGAL507 and 90 points from any other 500-level LEGAL coded papers.

  The PGDip(LS) comprises 120 points, including LEGAL506, LEGAL507 and 60 points from any other 500-level LEGAL coded papers excluding LEGAL590, LEGAL591, LEGAL592, or LEGAL593.

  The LLB(Hons) includes 60 points chosen from any 500-level LEGAL coded papers excluding LEGAL500, LEGAL509, LEGAL590, LEGAL591, LEGAL592, or LEGAL593. 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 may be completed with an endorsement as follows:

  For the LLM (Environmental and Climate Change Law) students must complete 60 points from the following papers: LEGAL516, LEGAL520, LEGAL528, LEGAL530, LEGAL531, LEGAL535, LEGAL540, LEGAL556, LEGAL562, LEGAL575, LEGAL576, LEGAL577, LEGAL581, LEGAL589, LEGAL591, LEGAL592, and LEGAL593.

  For the LLM(Health Law) students must complete 60 points from the following papers: LEGAL508, LEGAL577, LEGAL585, LEGAL586, LEGAL587, LEGAL588, LEGAL591, LEGAL592, and LEGAL593.

  For the LLM(International Law) students must complete 60 points from the following papers: LEGAL516, LEGAL525, LEGAL531, LEGAL534, LEGAL537, LEGAL540, LEGAL544, LEGAL555, LEGAL562, LEGAL569, LEGAL576, LEGAL577, LEGAL581, LEGAL591, LEGAL592, and LEGAL593.

  For the LLM(New Technologies and Cyber Security Law) students must complete 60 points from the following papers: LEGAL505, LEGAL520, LEGAL526, LEGAL568, LEGAL574, LEGAL577, LEGAL586, LEGAL591, LEGAL592, and LEGAL593.

  The LLM(Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples) comprises 120 points, including either LEGAL504 or MAORI570, 60 points from LEGAL505, LEGAL514, LEGAL525, LEGAL540, LEGAL551, LEGAL555, LEGAL569, LEGAL590, LEGAL591, LEGAL592, or LEGAL593, and 30 points from any other 500-level LEGAL coded papers.

  The MJur comprises 120 points, including LEGAL507 and 90 points from any other 500-level LEGAL coded papers.

  The MLS comprises either 180 points or 120 points (see qualification regulations):

  a) Including, for candidates who have not completed an LLB degree, LEGAL506 and LEGAL507 and either 120 points or 60 points respectively from any other 500-level LEGAL coded papers excluding LEGAL590, LEGAL591, LEGAL592, or LEGAL593; or

  b) Including, for candidates who have completed an LLB degree, LEGAL507 and 90 points from any other 500-level LEGAL coded papers excluding LEGAL590, LEGAL591, LEGAL592, or LEGAL593.

• 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 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	23JS (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	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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. With a particular focus on crimes, this paper will teach the...
  LEGAL104	Legal Method B	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (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. With a particular focus on contracts, this paper will teach students essential skills in Legal Method, including case analysis, st...
  LEGAL105	Introduction to New Zealand Law and Society	15.0	23A (Online) & 23B (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	23D (Hamilton) & 23D (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	23D (Hamilton) & 23D (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	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (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	23D (Hamilton) & 23D (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	23A (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	23D (Hamilton) & 23D (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	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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	No occurrences
  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	23D (Hamilton) & 23D (Tauranga)
  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	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  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	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
  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	23D (Hamilton) & 23D (Tauranga)
  An analysis of the history, principles and bicultural context of land law.
  LEGAL308	Equity and Succession	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  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.
  LEGLR300	Summer Research Project	15.0	23C (Hamilton)
  This paper has been developed specifically for students who will be undertaking a summer research scholarship.

• 400 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  LEGAL401	The Law of Evidence	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
  An examination of the principles of the law of evidence in criminal and civil cases.
  LEGAL402	Civil Procedure	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  An examination of the jurisdiction and procedure of the District Court and the Senior Courts in civil cases, with particular emphasis on High Court proceedings, the principles of pleading and the drafting of documents.
  LEGAL404	Commercial Transactions	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (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	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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	23C (Hamilton) & 23C (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	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (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	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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.
  LEGAL410	Charity Law	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (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	23C (Hamilton) & 23C (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.
  LEGAL416	Issues in Public Law	15.0	23C (Hamilton) & 23C (Tauranga)
  This paper will examine key issues in constitutional and administrative law and justice, comparatively - and in their cultural, economic, historical, and social context.
  LEGAL417	Law Review	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  A skills based paper focused on commissioning, editing, marketing, and publishing of peer reviewed and quality assured Law Reviews (law journals).
  LEGAL420	Employment Law	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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.
  LEGAL425	Contemporary Indigenous Issues and the Law	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  A detailed examination of law relating to contemporary indigenous issues raised at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues each year to provide a topical insight into the UN system.
  LEGAL434	Environmental Law	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
  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	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  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	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
  A critical study and comparison of legal systems and issues within the Pacific Region.
  LEGAL468	Intellectual Property	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (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.
  LEGAL473	Introduction to the Law of International Trade	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
  This paper will introduce students to the law and policies of current 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 Free Trade Agreements). Students will be invited...
  LEGAL476	Laws of Armed Conflict and International Humanitarian Law	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  An introduction to the laws of armed conflict and international humanitarian law. Students will explore the changing nature of international conflict as well as the legal options open to the global community in terms of humanitarian intervention both during and in the aftermath of armed conflict.
  LEGAL481	Immigration and Refugee Law	15.0	No occurrences
  A detailed examination of Immigration and Refugee Law as applied in the New Zealand and International contexts.

• 500 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  LEGAL501	Advanced Evidence Law	30.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
  An advanced-level examination of the principles of the law of evidence in criminal and civil cases.
  LEGAL504	Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Research Methodologies	30.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  This paper will introduce students to core Maori, Pacific and indigenous research methodologies, principles, methods and ethics that will equip students for culturally responsive, meaningful and innovative research with Maori, Pacific and indigenous peoples.
  LEGAL505	Critical Issues in the Treaty of Waitangi in Contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand	30.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  An advanced-level examination of critical Issues in the Treaty of Waitangi in Contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand.
  LEGAL507	Academic Legal Research and Writing	30.0	23B (Online)
  This paper will guide students through the principles and process of academic legal research and writing. They will learn how to develop, present and write scholarly work.
  LEGAL508	Advanced Family Law	30.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  An advanced-level examination of the law and social policies involved in the formation and breakdown of family relationships, including, critical analysis of the legislation and case law that underpin family disputes and proceedings in the Family Court and the Senior Courts.
  LEGAL520	Intellectual Property Law and Policy	30.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
  This paper will provide an overview of the principal regimes for the protection of intellectual property, and examine issues in intellectual property law and policy. Students will have an opportunity to undertake a research paper in an area of their choice.
  LEGAL521	Advanced Employment Law	30.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  An advanced-level examination of employment law in Aotearoa New Zealand, including, the formation, operation, and termination of the employment relationship as well as personal grievances, remedies and the employment institutions.
  LEGAL523	Advanced Civil Litigation	30.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  The focus of this paper is current and significant issues in civil litigation, with an emphasis on the ways in which concerns about access to justice is changing the way in which litigation is practiced across the common law world.
  LEGAL525	Critical Issues in Contemporary and International Indigenous Law	30.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  The purpose of this paper is to focus on the issues that are raised at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, each year, to provide a special insight (at an advanced-level) into the workings of the United Nations on contemporary and topical indigenous issues. An examination of the Declaration on the Rights of Indi...
  LEGAL526	Legal Aspects of Cyber Security	30.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (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.
  LEGAL535	Advanced Environmental Law	30.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
  An advanced-level examination of critical issues for Pacific Peoples and the Law.
  LEGAL562	Law of International Trade	30.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (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...
  LEGAL568	Issues in Public Law	30.0	23C (Hamilton) & 23C (Tauranga)
  Completion of a 12,500 word research paper regarding current Issues in Public Law
  LEGAL577	National & International Human Rights Law	30.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  This paper examines the international framework for the promotion and protection of human rights, including civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights and how the standards set can be implemented at the national and international level.
  LEGAL583	Advanced Immigration and Refugee Law	30.0	No occurrences
  An advanced-level examination of immigration and refugee law and policy as applied in Aotearoa New Zealand and international contexts.
  LEGAL593	Thesis	90.0	23X (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	23I (Hamilton) & 23X (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	23I (Hamilton), 23J (Hamilton), 23K (Hamilton) & 23X (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	23X (Hamilton)
  The degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) may be awarded to a candidate who has successfully presented for examination a collection of work, or a specially composed thesis based on such work, which constitutes an original, substantial and distinguished contribution to scholarship and establishes the candidate as an international authority...
  LEGAL994	SJD Thesis	120.0	23X (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	23X (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.