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Unit of Study LAWS2005 - Constitutional Law (2025)

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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; historical context; Indigenous sovereignty; Federation.

Module 2: Division of powers between Commonwealth and States; characterisation of federal laws; inconsistent State laws.

Module 3: The Commonwealth’s main powers.

Module 4: Express rights and freedoms.

Module 5: Implied rights and freedoms; separation of judicial power.

Module 6: The Senate, bicameralism, and democracy; State constitutions, entrenchment, manner and form.

 

Availabilities

Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2

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

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Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.