LAW4112 - Advanced constitutional law - 2019

This unit focuses on issues in Australian constitutional law that are not covered in depth in either Principles of Public Law and Statutory Interpretation (LAW1112), or Constitutional Law (LAW 3201). Issues will be selected for examination depending on their current theoretical or practical importance. Examples include methods of constitutional interpretation (including tensions between the framers' original intentions and contemporary values); the nature of implications drawn from the Constitution; express constitutional rights (trial by jury and freedom of religion); compulsory acquisition of property; the separation of powers as source of implied rights; the "races power"; the defence power both in war and peace; parliamentary privilege; and the process of constitutional amendment. Other issues that acquire public prominence from time to time, such as proposals for constitutional amendment, may also be examined. Comparisons with the constitutional law of other jurisdictions will be considered where appropriate.

At the successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the nature of constitutional law and constitutional interpretation in Australia, and especially its fundamental constitutional principles;
2. Demonstrate the intellectual and practical skills needed in the complex process of constitutional interpretation.
3. Articulate and critically examine contemporary issues relating to the Australian constitutional system;
4. Demonstrate an advanced ability to evaluate the role and functioning of the High Court in contemporary Australian society, and its relationship with the elected branches of government;

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Class participation 10%; research assignment (2000 words) 40%; final examination (2 hours plus 30 minutes reading and noting time) 50%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information