FLP15 Advocacy in Family Law Matters

What is this subject about?

This subject focuses on developing and/or refreshing advocacy skills used in the Family Court and the Federal Magistrates Court.  A key component of this subject will be the opportunity to engage in advocacy exercises during intensive onsite sessions.

The aim of this subject is to confer on students the skills necessary for preparing for, and conducting in court, family law matters which have reached the court-room stage, all in an ethical context and in accordance with the rules set by the Family Law Act and the rules of court.

What will I learn while studying this subject?

At the end of this subject you will be able to:

• prepare to act as an advocate in a family law matter in the Family Law Court or the Federal Magistrates Court, including confidently managing appellate advocacy
• confidently prepare and conduct cross examination
• identify and resolve ethical and professional practice issues which arise in the conduct of matters in these courts

Topics in this subject will include: 

• preparing a case for trial
• rules of evidence in family law matters
• oral evidence in chief
• cross-examination
• oral and written submissions
• appellate advocacy
• presenting an interlocutory application

How will I be assessed?

Assessment in this subject will be based on:

• satisfactory participation in the program
• two practical written assignments each worth 20% (40%)
• one performance assessment (60%)