LAW5437 China's legal system
Faculty of Law
LAW5437 China's legal system is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Law. It isn't offered in 2026. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Not offered
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before LAW5437
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After LAW5437
No unit lists LAW5437 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Enrolment rules
For Juris Doctor students (L6005), you must have completed 72 credit points of study.
Overview
This unit aims to provide students with a basic understanding of Chinese legal institutions. There will be focus not just on the law itself, but also on matters of legal culture, politics, economics, institutional design, and other matters that effect the development and operation of the law. In addition, by way of specific examples, the unit examines contract law and company law in China in some detail. This will be of particular interest for students who wish to understand Chinese law for the purposes of trade and cooperation with Chinese enterprises.
A key element will be on examining the Chinese legal system as an example of one where all legal action is highly politicized and where this is considered proper.
Classes will, where possible, use reports, journal articles or cases as a basis for analysis and discussion.
Offerings in 2026
The 2026 handbook lists no offerings for LAW5437.
Assessment
- Class participationDemonstration10%
- Take home examExamination40%
- Research assignmentWritten50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Apply knowledge and understanding of fundamental issues in Chinese law with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice;
- 2
Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in relation to Chinese law and policy using a comparative perspective;
- 3
Conduct research into the Chinese legal system to create new understandings of key developments, likely future directions and current and emerging problems based on knowledge of appropriate research principles and methods;
- 4
Use cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate at an abstract level complex ideas and concepts relevant to the Chinese legal system effectively and persuasively to specialist or non-specialist audiences and peers.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit typically comprises of a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study applicable to a 6 credit point unit. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning, and online engagement.
Learning resources
Required resources
See the Moodle unit page for prescribed and recommended resources. Prescribed texts are usually available for purchase through the University Bookstore and are sometimes available for short-term loan or as eBooks through the library.
Where it fits
LAW5437 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for LAW5437?
LAW5437 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is LAW5437 offered?
LAW5437 has no offerings listed in the 2026 handbook.
Does LAW5437 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include LAW5437?
LAW5437 is part of Commercial and corporate law; and Global society and human rights.