LAW3200

Constitutional law 300

(LAW)

Associate Professor J Goldsworthy/Professor HP Lee

0 points + Three 1-hour lectures and 1-hour tutorial per week + Full-year + Clayton

Synopsis: Basic constitutional principles including representative and responsible government, parliamentary sovereignty and separation of powers. The constitutions of the Australian States (emphasising Victoria), the Federal Constitution, Statute of Westminster and Australia Acts. Australian federalism including distribution of legislative and fiscal powers between Commonwealth and States, inconsistency of laws and intergovernmental immunities. Techniques and principles of constitutional interpretation. Principal Commonwealth legislative powers. Limitations on governmental power. Express and Implied Rights.

Assessment: Written research assignment (2000 words) or class test (50 minutes): 20% + Final examination (3.5 hours): 80%