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Unit of study_
LAWS5011: Federal Constitutional Law
2025 unit information
The main objective of the unit 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. The unit is designed to provide a general conceptual framework for solving problems about federal constitutional law through a detailed treatment of selected topics. The unit aims to: - Analyse 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 themes of federalism, constitutional change through interpretation, and constitutionalism (for example, the rule of law, limits upon government power, and allocating power for public ends). The topics covered in detail include: the basic principles of constitutional interpretation and characterisation; inconsistency between Commonwealth and State laws; select Commonwealth legislative powers; and select limits on Commonwealth and State legislative power.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney Law School
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Law |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
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LAWS5007 |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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LAWS2011 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. evaluate and critically analyse constitutional law issues by applying a detailed knowledge of the substantive content of constitutional law, and an understanding of the 'grammar' or modes of argument within constitutional law.
- LO2. resolve new and sophisticated constitutional law problems by: (a) identifying legal issues using accepted and relevant constitutional law methods; and (b) creatively analysing facts and law (settled and as it may develop).
- LO3. demonstrate an understanding of constitutional law doctrine, and identify and describe relevant constitutional law principles, thus evidencing the foundational knowledge needed to practice constitutional law.
- LO4. reason with enhanced and rigorous analytical skills, creating precise, clear, well-structured, succinct, and persuasive legal arguments.
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.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2024
|
Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney | |
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Semester 1 2024
|
Normal evening | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
|
Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Semester 1 2025
|
Normal evening | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
