LAW4331 - Administrative law - 2019

Administrative law is the branch of public law that regulates the exercise of power by the executive arm of government. This unit introduces students to the structure of government administration, the sources of administrative discretion and the systems that have been developed to permit the review of the exercise of administrative discretion by administrative decision-makers. The unit compares review of the 'merits' of administrative actions, by administrative tribunals, with review of their 'legality', by courts, pursuant to judicial review. The unit examines the judicial review of administrative action both at common law and under statute and has particular regard to the grounds of review; the courts' jurisdiction to entertain applications for review; the possession, by potential applicants for review, of standing; and the remedies available pursuant to a successful judicial review application. The unit aims, particularly, to develop students' practical skills in interpreting statutes.

At the successful completion of this Unit students will be able to:

1. With respect to theoretical and policy concerns underpinning the law; analyse the substantive law of judicial and merits review
2. Creatively resolve complex issues pertaining to administrative law, make reasoned choices, and formulate appropriate responses to issues as they arise
3. Explain and argue key issues pertaining to Administrative Law;
4. Incorporate feedback in reflection and self-evaluation of their performance of administrative law related activities

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.

1. Tutorial activities : 10%
2. Statutory Interpretation Assignment (1,500 words) : 30%
3. Final Examination (2 hours and 30 minutes) : 60%

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