Federal Constitutional Law
LAWS5011
The main objective of the course is to impart an understanding of the fundamentals of federal constitutional law through the study of key judicial decisions on powers and prohibitions in the Commonwealth Constitution. In a one session course it is neither feasible nor desirable to study all aspects of federal constitutional law. The course is designed to provide a general conceptual framework for solving problems about federal constitutional law by a detailed treatment of selected topics.The course also aims to:- Provide analysis of the function of the High Court as the final arbiter of constitutionality.- Develop an understanding of the techniques of judicial review as applied in Australia.- Encourage discussion on the adequacy of the Constitution as Australia's basic instrument of government and on the scope for 'reform' by interpretation. The topics covered in detail include: Trade and commerce, severance and reading down, inconsistency, external affairs, defence, corporations, freedom of interstate trade, general doctrines of characterisation and interpretation, grants, revenue powers, excise duties, intergovernmental immunities and constitutional rights. The course includes some overseas material to provide points of comparison and contrast.
Unit of study details
Unit of study level: Postgraduate
Credit points: 6
Commencing semesters: 1
Further unit of study information
Unit of study handbook: LAWS5011
Costs and scholarships information: Costs and Scholarships
Final dates to withdraw from units of study: Census Dates
Available for study abroad and exchange: Yes