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Unit of Study LAWS2005 - Constitutional Law (2023)

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Unit Snapshot

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Unit description

Explains the basic structure of Australia's Constitution, which is federal in nature - dividing powers between the Commonwealth and State Parliaments, and limiting what kinds of laws they can make.

Unit content

Module 1: Introduction; the historical context; State Constitutions
Module 2: Division of powers between Commonwealth and States
Module 3: Characterisation, heads of power, inconsistency
Module 4: Express constitutional rights, freedoms and limitations
Module 5: Implied constitutional rights and freedoms
Module 6: Democracy and the Constitution; separation of powers; the Dismissal

Availabilities

Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

describe the imposition on the Australian colonies of British law, and the gradual growth of political independence and nationhood, being aware of gender and race issues

demonstrate in discussion or in a written essay a knowledge of the Commonwealth and NSW Constitutions, especially the separation of powers, the State/ Federal division of powers, and the protection of human rights and civil liberties

analyse significant constitutional case law and explain its significance to constitutional law

demonstrate in discussion or a written essay an understanding of the cultural context and social and political impact of constitutional law, including the environmental, gender and race issues pertaining to constitutional law

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts
  • Joseph, S & Castan, M, 2019, Federal Constitutional Law, A Contemporary View, 5th edn, Lawbook Company, Sydney. ISBN: 9780455241449.
Prescribed Resources/Equipment
  • No prescribed resources/equipment.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.