Overview
This unit Land Law LAWS12066 meets the LPAB requirements for property law. It has a specific focus on the law of real property in Queensland. It covers the following themes: The concept of land; land registration systems with an emphasis on the Torrens system and the impact of e-technology pursuant to the Land Title Act 1994 (Qld); the principles for resolving priority disputes in Torrens title land under the Land Title Act 1994 (Qld) with a focus on legal vs equitable interests; future interests and the rule against perpetuities under the Property Law Act 1974 (Qld) and the general law; concurrent ownership; leases; mortgages; easements; freehold covenants and profit a prendres. The unit also includes a discussion of native title; possession, seisin & title and enforcement of security interests in personal property under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth). Students are expected to have completed Foundations of Property Law - LAWS12065 first as the unit content assumes knowledge from that unit.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisite: 24 credit points of law including LAWS11057.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student Feedback
Research assessments - students of the impression that assessments are not research based (that is, only cover content already covered in lecture content).
Make clear in the Unit Outline and in the first week of lectures and tutorials that research skills are a fundamental component of Graduate Attributes that students are assessed on and that students are expected to be able to conduct (and will be assessed on) their ability to carry out independent research on a topic in Land Law.
Feedback from Student Feedback
Abbreviations were used in slides/podcasts.
Make clear that abbreviations are part of professional delivery in industry/government. Refer students back to the Study Guide where all common abbreviations to relevant legislation (used in podcasts) are clearly referred to.
Feedback from Student Feedback
Confusion regarding the need to use contract law and equity to understand Land Law
Make clear in week one that students will not be able to understand the nature of interests in land unless they understand (1) basic principles of contract law (2) basic principles of equity. Reiterate that completing the priestly 11 core is not about learning principles from previous subjects and then forgetting them. Rather, it is about building on each area/block of knowledge to develop a cromprehensive knowledge to be able to understand how all of the topics work together. Make clear that this basic development of knowledge/taxonomies of law applies to study in every Australian Law School.
- Explain the conceptual characteristics of land under Australian land law.
- Examine the principles and concepts in native title, possession, seisin and title, and the rule against perpetuities.
- Analyse and apply the Torrens system of land registration and the impact of e-technology pursuant to the Land Title Act 1994 (Qld).
- Analyse and apply the rights in land relating to concurrent ownership, leases, mortgages, and security interests in personal property under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth)
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||
| 3 - Examination - 50% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Australian Guide to Legal Citation, 4th ed
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
k.viglianti@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Week 1 – Introduction to Land Law
Chapter
Study Guide and Wallace et al, Chapters 1, Chapter 2: [2.10], [2.140]-[2.220], Chapter 3, Chapter 6 [focus on concepts in [6.10] to [6.220] in particular].
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 2 – Possession, Adverse Possession and Fixtures
Chapter
Study Guide and Wallace et al, Chapter 4: [4.210]-[4.290], Chapter 10: [10.400] – [10.470].
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 3 - Land Registration (classification of estates and interests)
Chapter
Study Guide and Wallace et al, Chapter 9, Chapter 10: [10.10] - [10.195].
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 4 - Land Registration (Torrens Pt 1)
Chapter
Study Guide and Wallace et al, Chapter 10: [10.100] – [10.10.195]. Chapter 11: [11.460] – [11.520].
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 5 - Land Registration (Torrens Pt 2)
Chapter
Study Guide and Wallace et al, Chapter 10: [10.160] - [10.190], [10.200] – [10.355].
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 6 – Land Registration (Torrens Pt 3)
Chapter
Study Guide and Wallace et al, Chapter 10: [10.380] – [10.400], [10.490] – [10.565]; Chapter 11: [11.10] – [11.230], [11.340] – [11.450].
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 7 - Co-Ownership
Chapter
Study Guide and Wallace et al, Chapter 8.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 8 - Leases Part 1
Chapter
Study Guide and Wallace et al, Chapter 14.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 9 -Leases Part 2
Chapter
Study Guide and Wallace et al, Chapter 14.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 10 - Easements and Freehold Covenants Pt 1
Chapter
Study Guide and Wallace et al, Chapters 15 and 17.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 11 - Easements and Freehold Covenants Pt 2
Chapter
Study Guide and Wallace et al, Chapters 15 and 17.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 12 - Mortgages and the Personal Property and Securities Act.
Chapter
Study Guide and Wallace et al, Chapter 16.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Centrally conducted exam - University publishes the official exam timetable around Week 9 of semester.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Extensions on assessments of more than 14 days will need to be approved by the Deputy Dean of Learning and Teaching. Since the subject forms part of the formal accreditation requirements for admission as a legal practitioner, students must sit the mandatory invigilated formal examination as part of the inherent subject requirements to qualify for admission.
1 Online Quiz(zes)
Task Description:
Students must answer an online quiz. The quiz is available the subject Moodle page. The quiz will occur in Week 4. More details of the quiz are provided by the Unit Coordinator in Week 1 of the Term via the Subject Moodle page.
The quiz consists of a number of simple, short answer questions on topics covered in the unit in Weeks 1 to 3. The quiz is made available for students to complete over a 48 hour period in Week 4. The task is due at the end of Week 4. It opens 48 hours before the due date and time.
You must complete the quiz by submitting your answers to all questions online (via the Moodle subject page). You have one attempt to complete and submit your answers. You must therefore submit your answers online in one sitting (you cannot save your answers and return to them or amend them at a later date).
You will have 60 minutes to submit your answers online once you commence the quiz.
All answers must be submitted by the due date.
Open attempts will be submitted automatically when the time limit (60 minutes) expires and/or when the due date/time is reached.
If you experience technical difficulties with the quiz, please contact the Unit Coordinator immediately by email.
The quiz results will only be released once all submissions are in (including any extensions).
Extensions of more than 14 days are not available for this assessment. Due to the need to provide prompt feedback to students and the content of feedback provided, submissions received after the assessment has been returned to students cannot be accepted for academic integrity reasons. Students seeking extensions beyond this timeframe will be required to undertake a different version of the assessment task.
This assessment must be submitted by the specified due date and time. Due to the nature of this task, the standard 72-hour grace period does not apply. We recognise that unexpected circumstances may arise, and encourage students to reach out as early as possible if they are experiencing difficulties, so that appropriate support or adjustments can be considered in line with university policy.
Students requesting any extension must submit their request together with supporting documentation via the University's assignment extension system. Any application for an extension must be made before the due date. Applications made via email will not be considered.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be
considered a breach of academic integrity. Level of GenAI use allowed: Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
1
Other
Week 4 Friday (8 Aug 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Students must undertake and submit via the quiz page on Moodle.
Week 5 Friday (15 Aug 2025)
Returned Via Moodle
The assessment is graded using the University's policy for the subject, being the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework). This includes the relevant grading scales in the CQU Grades Assessment Policy.
The quiz test tests the following Unit Learning Outcomes:
1. Identification of legal and ethical issues involved and use of relevant authorities (ULOs 1, 2, and 3)
2. Apply relevant facts to interpretation of the law; reflection and critical thinking - use of legal principles and deductive reasoning to solve problems (ULOs 1, 2 and 3)
3. Quality of communication (ULO 1)
- Explain the conceptual characteristics of land under Australian land law.
- Examine the principles and concepts in native title, possession, seisin and title, and the rule against perpetuities.
- Analyse and apply the Torrens system of land registration and the impact of e-technology pursuant to the Land Title Act 1994 (Qld).
2 Written Assessment
Task Description:
This assessment will be a written assessment based on a legal problem scenario in Land Law. This is a research-based assignment. The task is due at the end of Week 7.
Extensions of more than 14 days are not available for this assessment. Due to the need to provide prompt feedback to students and the content of feedback provided, submissions received after the assessment has been returned to students cannot be accepted for academic integrity reasons. Students seeking extensions beyond this timeframe will be required to undertake a different version of the assessment task.
This assessment must be submitted by the specified due date and time. Due to the nature of this task, the standard 72-hour grace period does not apply. We recognise that unexpected circumstances may arise, and encourage students to reach out as early as possible if they are experiencing difficulties, so that appropriate support or adjustments can be considered in line with university policy.
Students requesting any extension must submit their request together with supporting documentation via the University's assignment extension system. Any application for an extension must be made before the due date. Applications made via email will not be considered.
Details of the Unit Learning Outcomes assessed by this assignment are set out via the Moodle subject page. The assessment is a task that will test students' skills in legal methodology. More specific details of the assessment, including detailed instructions for the assessment task and the marking criteria/rubric are available via the Moodle subject page.
The submission for this assignment is online via the Moodle subject page (Assignment Inbox will be available via Moodle).
Late penalties are applied where students do not submit by the due date (or where you have been granted an extension and submit beyond the extended due date). Late penalties are 5% of the total available marks per day or part day.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be
considered a breach of academic integrity. Level of GenAI use allowed: Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Week 7 Friday (5 Sept 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
To be submitted online via Moodle submission page
Week 9 Friday (19 Sept 2025)
Returned via moodle feedback centre.
The assessment is graded using the University's policy for the subject, being the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework). This includes the relevant grading scales in the CQU Grades Assessment Policy.
This assessment will assess your ability to:
(1) clearly address all legal issues presented by the problem;
(2) clearly address all legal arguments in accordance with the purpose, context and needs of the audience;
(3) apply the principles of plain English drafting and drafting conventions when drafting legal documents;
(4) present persuasive legal arguments in a logical manner;
(5) present factual information in a concise and comprehensive manner
(6) present your argument in accordance with standard legal methodology;
(7) communicate effectively with your audience; and
(8) comply with the AGLC 4 reference standard for law.
Assessment Criteria
The assignment tests the following Unit Learning Outcomes:
1. Identification of legal and ethical issues involved and use of relevant authorities (ULOs 2, 3, 4 and 8)
2. Apply relevant facts to interpretation of the law; reflection and critical thinking - use of legal principles and deductive reasoning to solve problems (ULOs 2, 3 and 4)
3. Quality of communication, including ability to advocate for a client (ULO 1)
4. Research skills and use of appropriate legal authority (ULO 4)
The assessment is marked across each ULO and using a marking rubric (supplied via Moodle) which itself adopts the the University's grading scale for Assessment of Subjects by Coursework.
More details of the assessment, including a detailed grading rubric, are posted on the Moodle subject page for the assessment.
- Explain the conceptual characteristics of land under Australian land law.
- Examine the principles and concepts in native title, possession, seisin and title, and the rule against perpetuities.
- Analyse and apply the Torrens system of land registration and the impact of e-technology pursuant to the Land Title Act 1994 (Qld).
- Analyse and apply the rights in land relating to concurrent ownership, leases, mortgages, and security interests in personal property under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth)
3 Take Home Exam
This unit has an invigilated in person examination of 2.5 hours' (150 minutes) duration to comply with applicable accreditation standards for law in core subjects. No alternative form of assessment can be offered.
NOTE: this is not a take-home examination.
Please note that University Policy does not allow students to obtain extensions to sit examinations.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be
considered a breach of academic integrity. Level of GenAI use allowed: Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Please also note that this assessment must be sat during the allocated examination time. Due to the nature of this task, the standard 72-hour grace period does not apply. We recognise that unexpected circumstances may arise, and encourage students to reach out as early as possible if they are experiencing difficulties, so that appropriate support or adjustments can be considered in line with university policy.
Centrally conducted examination during the University Exam period
Results will be released only when grades are certified.
The assessment is graded using the University's policy for the subject, being the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework). This includes the relevant grading scales in the CQU Grades Assessment Policy.
This assessment will assess your ability to:
(1) clearly address all legal issues presented by the problem;
(2) clearly address all legal arguments in accordance with the purpose, context and needs of the audience;
(3) apply the principles of plain English drafting and drafting conventions when drafting legal documents;
(4) present persuasive legal arguments in a logical manner;
(5) present factual information in a concise and comprehensive manner
(6) present your argument in accordance with standard legal methodology;
(7) communicate effectively with your audience; and
(8) cite relevant authorities for law.
The examination tests the following Unit Learning Outcomes:
1. Identification of legal and ethical issues involved and use of relevant authorities (ULOs 2, 3, 4)
2. Apply relevant facts to interpretation of the law; reflection and critical thinking - use of legal principles and deductive reasoning to solve problems (ULOs 2, 3 and 4)
3. Quality of communication, including ability to present legal argument (ULO 1)
4. Research skills and use of appropriate legal authority (ULO 4).
- Analyse and apply the Torrens system of land registration and the impact of e-technology pursuant to the Land Title Act 1994 (Qld).
- Analyse and apply the rights in land relating to concurrent ownership, leases, mortgages, and security interests in personal property under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth)
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
