LAW3201

Constitutional law 306 (6 points)

(LAW)

Leader: Dr Sarah Joseph/Professor Jeff Goldsworthy

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2003 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2003 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2004 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2004 (Day)

Synopsis: The Constitutions of Victoria and the Commonwealth of Australia, the Statute of Westminster and the Australia Acts. Basic constitutional principles such as representative and responsible government, parliamentary sovereignty, and separation of powers. Techniques and principles of constitutional interpretation. Australian federalism and inter-governmental relations, including the distribution of legislative and fiscal powers between the Commonwealth and the States, inconsistency of laws, and intergovernmental immunities. Principal Commonwealth legislative powers. Limitations on governmental power including selected express and limited constitutional rights and freedoms.

Assessment: Optional research assignment (2000 words): 30% + Final examination (1.5 hours): 70% OR Final examination (2.5 hours): 100%

Contact Hours: Three hours of lectures per week and one 1-hour tutorial per fortnight.