LAWS11-216: Constitutional Law

Description

Constitutional Law is a compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. This subject examines the fundamentals of Australian constitutional law, often in a comparative context. Topics considered include the rule of law, the separation of powers, principles of constitutional interpretation, the rules governing exercises of legislative, executive and judicial power, constitutional change, constitutional principles relating to individual rights and freedoms, the relationship between federal, state and territory governments, including inconsistency of laws, and fiscal federalism. Emphasis is placed on the development of legal research and reasoning skills.

Subject details

Type: Undergraduate Subject
Code: LAWS11-216
EFTSL: 0.125
Faculty: Faculty of Law
Semesters offered:
  • January 2023 [Standard Offering]
  • May 2023 [Standard Offering]
  • September 2023 [Standard Offering]
Credit: 10
Subject fees:
  • Commencing in 2022: $3,950.00
  • Commencing in 2023: $4,050.00
  • Commencing in 2024: $4,260.00
  • Commencing in 2022: $5,260.00
  • Commencing in 2023: $5,400.00
  • Commencing in 2024: $5,730.00

Learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate understanding of a number of constitutional law topics, including: (a) Constitutional interpretation, judicial reasoning, and the characterisation process; (b) Principles governing the separation of judicial, executive and legislative powers; (c) Principles of constitutional change and reform; (d) The constitutional protection, or otherwise, of individual rights and freedoms; and (e) Comparative constitutionalism and/or contemporary issues in constitutional law.
  2. Demonstrate competency in exercising the following skill at an intermediate level, with creativity, initiative and autonomy: (a) legal research and reasoning
  3. Adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, including a commitment to: (a) Learning and working autonomously, accountably and reflectively; (b) Behaving ethically and responsibly; and (c) Managing time effectively and meeting deadlines.

Enrolment requirements

Requisites:

Nil
Assumed knowledge:

Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.

Assumed Prior Learning (or equivalent):

Restrictions:

Must be admitted into a Bachelor law degree OR Bachelor of Laws combined degree OR be an approved Law Study Abroad OR Law Exchange student.

This subject is not available as a general elective. To be eligible for enrolment, the subject must be specified in the students’ program structure.

Subject outlines

Subject dates

  • Standard Offering
    Enrolment opens: 13/11/2022
    Semester start: 16/01/2023
    Subject start: 16/01/2023
    Cancellation 1: 30/01/2023
    Cancellation 2: 06/02/2023
    Last enrolment: 29/01/2023
    Withdraw - Financial: 11/02/2023
    Withdraw - Academic: 04/03/2023
    Teaching census: 10/02/2023
  • Standard Offering
    Enrolment opens: 19/03/2023
    Semester start: 15/05/2023
    Subject start: 15/05/2023
    Cancellation 1: 29/05/2023
    Cancellation 2: 05/06/2023
    Last enrolment: 28/05/2023
    Withdraw - Financial: 10/06/2023
    Withdraw - Academic: 01/07/2023
    Teaching census: 09/06/2023
  • Standard Offering
    Enrolment opens: 16/07/2023
    Semester start: 11/09/2023
    Subject start: 11/09/2023
    Cancellation 1: 25/09/2023
    Cancellation 2: 02/10/2023
    Last enrolment: 24/09/2023
    Withdraw - Financial: 07/10/2023
    Withdraw - Academic: 28/10/2023
    Teaching census: 06/10/2023
Standard Offering
Enrolment opens: 13/11/2022
Semester start: 16/01/2023
Subject start: 16/01/2023
Cancellation 1: 30/01/2023
Cancellation 2: 06/02/2023
Last enrolment: 29/01/2023
Withdraw - Financial: 11/02/2023
Withdraw - Academic: 04/03/2023
Teaching census: 10/02/2023