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This is a core course in the Juris Doctor program. It is approved by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board (Qld) and the Chief Justice of Queensland as meeting the civil procedure area of knowledge under the Supreme Court (Admission) Rules 2004 (Qld) and therefore deals with elements of Civil Procedure, specifically: court adjudication under an adversary system; the cost of litigation and the use of costs to control litigation; service of originating process – as foundation of jurisdiction, including service out of the relevant State or Territory and choice of forum; joinder of claims and parties, including group proceedings and the defence of prior adjudication as instances of the public interest in avoiding a multiplicity of proceedings and inconsistent verdicts; defining the questions for trial – pleadings, notices to admit and other devices; obtaining evidence – discovering of documents, interrogatories, subpoena and other devices; disposition without trial, including the compromise of litigation; extra-judicial determination of issues arising in the course of litigation; judgement; appeal; and enforcement.

This course aims to familiarise students with the theoretical issues that underpin private civil litigation, as well as the processes that must be followed in commencing, conducting, and finalising civil disputes in the Queensland and Federal courts. Students will also be exposed to alternative dispute resolution ("ADR") methodologies, and will consider the circumstances in which ADR is more appropriate than a progression to trial. Following successful completion of this course, students will understand the various steps that are taken to progress civil litigation, and will be familiar with the applicable statutes and rules; in particular the key provisions of the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 (Qld) ('UCPR').

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding [explain, apply and evaluate] of a complex body of knowledge [relevant to civil procedure], and underlying principles and concepts; the broader contexts within which legal issues arise [in this area]; and the principles and values of justice and of ethical practice in lawyers’ roles; and contemporary developments in law, and its professional practice (PO1/TLO1).
2. Demonstrate an ability to recognise and reflect upon, and a developing ability to respond to, ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts [relevant to civil procedure]; a developing ability to exercise professional judgment; [and awareness of the social and economic consequences of law and lawyers’ work, together with the attendant professional obligation to practise in ways which are respectful to the interests of clients, communities, economies and the environment (PO2/TLO2).
3. Identify and articulate complex legal issues [relevant to civil procedure]; [comprehend legal and other materials]; apply legal reasoning and research to generate appropriate jurisprudential and practical responses to legal issues; engage in critical analysis and make reasoned and appropriate choices amongst alternatives; and demonstrate sophisticated cognitive and creative skills in approaching legal issues and generating appropriate responses (PO3/TLO3).
4. Communicate in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences (PO5/TLO5).
5. Learn and work with a high level of autonomy, accountability and professionalism; and reflect on and assess their own capabilities and performance, and make use of feedback as appropriate, to support personal and professional development (PO6/TLO6).