Outline

Overview

This unit asks whether obedience to legal norms is required by morality. It examines various arguments for a moral obligation to obey the law.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	LAWS3471
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kevin Walton, kevin.walton@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Kevin Walton, kevin.walton@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Oral exam ?	Research Essay Oral (60%) Oral exam	60%	Formal exam period	15 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Conversation	Leading Discussion (20%) Conversation	20%	Ongoing	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Oral test ?	Research Essay Proposal (20%) Oral test	20%	Week 06	15 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research Essay (0%) Written work	0%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Nov 2025	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Leading Discussion (20%): Students must lead the discussion in one seminar. In the specific seminar to which they are assigned, students are on call, which means that they should be ready to raise their own and answer others’ (including the teacher’s) questions about the required reading. Students might be directed by the teacher to lead a structured activity in the seminar to which they are assigned.

Research Essay Proposal (20%): Students must participate in a 15-minute discussion with the teacher about the research essay that they wish to write. The discussion is based on a proposal of no more than 500 words that the student must submit via Canvas no later than the day before the discussion. The proposal should set out a question, a potential response, and a list of the principal texts with which the student intends to engage. During the discussion, each student will be questioned about and given feedback on their proposal to assist them in undertaking further work on their research essay. The discussion will take place in Week 6. It will take place in person and be recorded (for the sole purpose of being used in any appeals). Students are not permitted to bring anything to the discussion other than a pen and a printed copy of their proposal.

Research Essay (0%): Each student must submit a research essay of no more than 3000 words. This essay should demonstrate critical engagement with a relevant topic of their choice based on independent research. It should build on the discussion of the Research Essay Proposal and the discussion (with the teacher and other students) in Seminar 15. The research essay must be submitted via Canvas by 23:59 (Sydney time) on 7 November 2025. Students must then participate in the Research Essay Oral.

Research Essay Oral (60%): Students must participate in a 15-minute discussion with the teacher about their research essay. They will be questioned not only about the content of their essay but also about the process of generating it. The mark depends on both the submitted text of the essay and the discussion of it in the oral exam. The discussion will take place in person during the formal exam period in November. It will be recorded (for the sole purpose of being used in any appeals). Students are not permitted to bring anything to the discussion other than a pen and a printed copy of their essay.

Word-limits: The total word-count for written work excludes the title-page, citations in footnotes, any bibliography, and any acknowledgement of permissible assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI, but it includes everything else, such as headings, sub-headings, quotations (including epigraphs) and, even if it does not seem substantive, anything other than citations in footnotes. Failure to comply with the word-limit is penalised at a rate of 10% of the total mark for the assessment for every 100 words in excess of the limit. A research essay of 3099 words, for example, will not be penalised, but an essay of 3100 words will lose six marks. Penalties for excessive length will be strictly applied. Any penalty will be applied to the mark for the Research Essay Oral.

Referencing: When citing material in written work, students should rely consistently on an accepted method, such as that specified in The Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th ed).

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above) for this Unit of Study. If a student fails to make a genuine attempt at one or more of the assessment tasks, an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study. A student must also obtain at least a Pass mark and grade for the Research Essay Oral (60%) in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above) for this Unit of Study.

More detailed information about each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

A High Distinction (85-100) indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction (75-84) indicates work of a very high standard, a Credit (65-74) indicates work of a good standard, a Pass (50-64) indicates work of an acceptable standard, and a Fail (0-49) indicates work of an unsatisfactory standard.

The mark for the Research Essay Proposal (20%) is determined using the following grid:

	Exceptional	Very high	Good	Acceptable	Unacceptable
Understanding
Critical Analysis
Research
Communication

The mark for the Leading Discussion (20%) is determined using the following grid:

	Exceptional	Very high	Good	Acceptable	Unacceptable
Understanding
Critical Analysis
Communication

The mark for the Research Essay Oral (60%) is determined by assessing both the written text of the Research Essay and the discussion of it in the Research Essay Oral using the following grid:

	Exceptional	Very high	Good	Acceptable	Unacceptable
Understanding
Critical Analysis
Research
Communication

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

A student who has not obtained an extension by applying successfully for Special Consideration will be penalised for late submission of written work at a rate of 10% of the total mark for the assessment per day or part-day (including weekends and public holidays). Penalties for late submission will be strictly applied. This means, for example, that six marks will be deducted from a research essay that is submitted at 00:00 (Sydney time) on 8 November 2025. Any penalty will be applied to the mark for the Research Essay Oral.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Introduction	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 01	2. Research Essay I	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	3. Political Obligation	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	4. Philosophical Anarchism	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	5. Consent	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	6. Democratic Participation	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	7. Against Consent	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	8. Rethinking Obligation	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	9. Gratitude	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	10. Fairness: Hart and Rawls	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 07	11. Fairness: Klosko	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 07	12. The Principle of Utility	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	13. Instrumentalism	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	14. The Natural Duty of Justice	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	15. Research Essay II	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	16. Democratic Authority	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	17. Samaritanism	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	18. Membership	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	19. Liberal Community	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	20. Conclusion	Seminar (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are required to attend 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for this unit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade being recorded as the student’s result for this unit (see The University of Sydney Law School Resolutions: Coursework Awards cl 11).

Teaching and Learning Strategy: Seminars are discussion-based. Students must prepare for each seminar by reading and reflecting on designated texts. Participation in class discussions enables students to develop their understanding of and their ability to think critically about the issues with which the texts are concerned. Students also have the opportunity to share questions and comments about the texts and the class-discussion of them with the teacher through the Canvas site.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

The required readings are available electronically through the Canvas site.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Understand arguments for a moral obligation to obey the law.
LO2. Identify, analyse, and respond critically and creatively to arguments for a moral obligation to obey the law.
LO3. Apply intellectual and practical skills to identify, find, evaluate, and synthesise arguments for a moral obligation to obey the law in an ethical manner.
LO4. Communicate about arguments for a moral obligation to obey the law effectively, respectfully, and persuasively.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The assessment was significantly changed to increase the focus on the research essay by adding an oral test on a proposal and an oral exam on the submitted text. The teacher welcomes student feedback on this unit of study.

Additional information

Resources - Sydney Law Students

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS5171: The Morality of Obeying the Law

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links