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Unit of study_
LAWS3427: Death and Inheritance Law
2026 unit information
This unit covers the law that governs the transmission of property rights on the death the holder of those property rights to other persons. The unit begins with an overview of succession law in Australia; looking at testamentary freedom in its historical context and the development of powers of testation. The unit then considers the modern family relationships for succession; the boundaries of the law of succession (dealing with such matters as nominations, donationes mortis causa and contracts involving wills); the legal fact of death; intestate succession, the law of wills, family provision legislation and some aspects of the administration of deceased estates. Students who wish to practise in the area of succession law are encouraged to consider studying this unit, because the matters covered are indispensable for a career in succession, property and inheritance. From a pedagogical perspective, the unit aims to impart an understanding of key succession law principles and their practical application in problem-solving. Additionally, the unit aims to equip students with the tools to critically evaluate and make normative assessments regarding the operation of succession law in context.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney Law School
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Law |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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LAWS5127 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. demonstrate a depth of disciplinary experience including knowledge of the content and basic legal principles of key areas of law relating to the writing of wills and the devolution of property with respect to testate and intestate estates.
- LO2. develop critical thinking and problem solving such as an ability to analyse and evaluate principles and policy in respect to the creation, interpretation and enforcement of wills and the administration of deceased estates; and an ability to apply the law and policy considerations to hypothetical but typical problems arising in practice, appreciating legal complexity.
- LO3. communicate effectively and intelligently with peers in respect of legal issues that arise in the context of succession law.
- LO4. use digital resources efficiently to independently retrieve case law and legislation.
- LO5. work productively, collaboratively and openly across cultural boundaries with fellow students and, moving beyond the classroom environment, fellow legal practitioners.
- LO6. develop an integrated professional, ethical and personal identity to manage the challenge of study and appreciate that there will be uncertainties arising in the application of law (in the context of succession law in particular and the law more generally).
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
There are no availabilities for this year.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2026
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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