LAW5420 - Malaysian and Singaporean constitutional systems - 2017

The unit focuses on providing the students with an understanding of fundamental aspects of the legal and constitutional systems of Malaysia and Singapore. Topics covered include the making of the Malaysian and Singapore constitutions, the King, Rulers and the Constitution, the 1983 Constitutional Crisis, the 1993 Constitutional Crisis, Emergency Powers and Preventive Detention Laws, the Malaysian Judiciary, religious freedom in Malaysia and Singapore's Presidency.

Objectives:

On completion of this subject, students will be able to:

1. apply knowledge and understanding of the key features of the constitutional systems of Malaysia and Singapore, with creativity and initiative to new situations for further learning;
2. investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in relation to significant political and legal developments in constitutionalism in Malaysia and Singapore;
3. conduct research into the fundamental aspects of the legal and constitutional systems of Malaysia and Singapore, based on knowledge of appropriate research principles and methods; and
4. use cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate at an abstract level complex ideas and concepts to Malaysian and Singaporean constitutional systems.

Research assignment (3,750 words): 50%

Take-home examination (3,750 words): 50%

Students enrolled in this unit will be provided with 24 contact hours of seminars per semester [in Prato they will have 36 contact hours] whether intensive, semi-intensive, or semester-long offering. Students will be expected to do reading set for class, and to undertake additional research and reading applicable to a 6 credit point unit.