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Unit of Study LAWS2011 - Statutory Interpretation (2023)

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Unit Snapshot

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Unit description

Examines the rules and principles of statutory interpretation, including: the purposive approach to construction, parliamentary intention and interpretive techniques, the use of intrinsic and extrinsic materials, the traditional common law approaches and statutory presumptions such as non-interference with fundamental rights. Also considers the special rules relating to the interpretation of other instruments such as the Australian Constitution, codes and delegated legislation.

Unit content

Module 1:  The creation and interpretation of statute

Module 2:  Interpretation legislation

Module 3:  Parliamentary intention and traditional common law approaches

Module 4:  Intrinsic and extrinsic materials

Module 5:  Statutory presumptions, fundamental rights and international law

Module 6:  Interpreting specific instruments

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:

identify the rules and principles relating to statutory interpretation in Australia, and apply these to resolve hypothetical scenarios

demonstrate a high level of skill in the reading and interpretation of statutes and other instruments

analyse and explain the reasoning behind a particular interpretation of a statute

demonstrate an ability to explain the relevant legal rules and principles in clear and logical language.

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts
  • Sanson, M, 2016, Statutory Interpretation, 2nd edn, Oxford University Press, Melbourne. ISBN: 9780190304577.
Prescribed Resources/Equipment
  • No prescribed resources/equipment.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.