Legal terminology is a collection of words and phrases that have a precise or particular use in the law profession. However, legal language is not a universal language – it is dependent on culture and intertwined with individual societies and their unique legal systems. This course is ideal for anyone who deals with legal terminology – from accountants, journalists and public servants to those in the legal and law enforcement professions. Not you? If you need to prepare a legal document or buy a property, it will come in handy as well!
The Certificate of Legal Terminology is an online program that will introduce you to the scope and nature of legal terminology, and how it is used in the legal workplace, legal systems and different types of law.
In this professional development course, you will study the common legal languages, the people and processes involved in law, and different legal systems across the world.
You will also learn about the intricacies of property, criminal, contract, business, estate, family, insurance and accidents compensation law.
On completion of this course, you will have a broad understanding of the law and legal terminology, which will increase your knowledge of government and community, both personally and professionally!
Course Structure
Unit 1 – Scope and nature of legal terminology
- Codification
- Origin of legal words
- Development of legal language
- The role of Latin in the development of legal language and law
- Common legal language
- Sources of law
- Broad categories of law
- Substantive vs procedural law
- Private vs public law
- Civil vs common law
- Types of law administrative law
- Adversarial (accusatorial law)
- Civil law
- Constitutional law
- Continental law
- Contract law
- Common law (English law)
- Criminal or penal law
- Intellectual property law
- International law
- Inquisitorial law
- Islamic law
- Property law
- Public law
- Roman law
- Socialist law
- Statute law
- Tort law
- Trust law
- Separation of powers (judicial, legislative, executive)
- Essential features of the Westminster system
- Common legal terms
Unit 2 - The legal workplace
- People and processes
- Types of lawyers: attorney (or advocate)
- Barrister vs solicitor
- Criminal defence lawyers
- Corporate lawyers
- Bankruptcy lawyers
- Civil lawyers
- Other specialisations
- Court solicitors
- Barristers
- Court agents
- Paralegal professionals
- Law courts
- Role of courts
- Jurisdiction
- Judicial immunity
- General jurisdiction
- Limited (bounded or special) jurisdiction
- Criminal jurisdiction
- Monetary jurisdiction
- Original jurisdiction
- Intermediate Jurisdiction
- Appellate jurisdiction
- Ancillary jurisdiction
- Concurrent jurisdiction
- Exclusive jurisdiction
- Pendent jurisdiction
- Subject matter jurisdiction
- Levels of courts
- Appellate court
- Civil court
- Constitutional court
- Article courts
- Circuit courts
- County court
- Court of assize
- Court of equity
- Court of record
- District court
- Family court
- Federal court
- Full court: (or full bench)
- Privy council
- International court of justice
- International criminal court
- Juvenile court
- Magistrate’s court
- Open court
- Probate court
- Small claims court
- Superior court
- Supreme court
- English court structure
- Dispute resolution
Unit 3 - Legal systems
- Australia, UK, international law etc.
- Common law legal systems
- Civil law
- Codification of law
- Separation of powers
- Australian law system
- International law, etc.
Unit 4 - Contract and business law
- Nature of contract
- Unilateral contracts
- Bilateral contracts
- Classes of contract
- Formal contracts
- Simple contracts
- Validity and enforceability
- Agreement
- Rules as to offer
- Rules as to acceptance of an offer
- Revocation of an offer
- Rules as to rejection of an offer
- Rules as to lapse of an offer
- Intention to create legal relations
- Consideration
- Rules relating to consideration
- Lawful object
- Capacity to contract
- Discharge and conclusion of contract
- Formation of simple contract
Unit 5 - Property law
- Real property
- Personal property
- Conveyancing
- England and Wales, Scotland, USA, Australia
- Intellectual property
- Patent, trademarks, copyright, design patent
- Confidential information (trade secrets)
- Related terminology
Unit 6 - Wills, probate, estate law
- Estate
- Wills
- Heirs
- Inheritance
- Beneficiaries
- Probate
- Will requirements (testamentary intent, testamentary capacity, lack of duress, absence of undue influence, witnesses)
- Trusts
- Related terminology
Unit 7 - Criminal law
- Social construction
- History of punishment
- Reasons for punishment (rehabilitation, deterrence/prevention, protection of society/incapacitation, restoration, retribution, education)
- USA – Criminal law or penal law
- Australian criminal law
- Canadian criminal law
- Tort law
- Classification of torts (intentional tort, unintentional tort)
- Purpose of tort law (compensation for damages, financial responsibility, deterrence, avoiding self-help)
- Negligence
- Statutory torts
- Nuisance
- Defamation
- Intentional torts
- Economic torts
- Duty of care
- Breach of confidence
- Causation
- Related terms
Unit 8 - Other categories
- Family law (decree nisi, de facto marriage, equitable adoption, adoption by estoppels, interlocutory decree, judgement nisi, etc)
- Civil actions
- Bankruptcy
- Insurance law
- Accidents compensation
- Related terminology
Assessment
Assessment Information
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to meet industry-standard and is not benchmarked against other students’ work.
In this course, the assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, which may include short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- Twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 40 hours. Twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development For:
- Legal Secretary
- Legal Administration Assistant
- Paralegal / Legal Assistant
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