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LS220 Constitutional Law

Updated: 02 December 2009
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study Online Level
Armidale Semester 1 Off Campus C - Internet access required
Armidale Semester 1 On Campus C - Internet access required
Armidale Summer Semester Off Campus C - Internet access required
Intensive School(s) None
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites LS100 or LS101 (only for students who commence from 2009)
Co-requisites LS100 (only for students who commenced before 2009)
Restrictions LS120
Notes None
Combined Units None
Coordinator(s)
Unit Description

This unit is directed to the study of the theory and practice of the law of government in Australia. The study will centre on the Commonwealth Constitution. Most of the unit is taken up in studying the powers and working of the three principal branches of the Commonwealth government-the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary. Individual items of the legislative power of the Commonwealth Parliament are studied in detail. The implications of Australian federalism, including inconsistency of laws and inter-governmental immunities are examined. Issues of individual rights and the extent of their protection under the Commonwealth Constitution are considered in the last part of this unit.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material

Constitutional Law, Butterworths Questions and Answers
ISBN: 9780409319637
Omar, I., LexisNexis Butterworths 2nd ed. 2003
Text refers to: Semester 1 and Summer Semester , On and Off Campus
Hanks' Australian Constitutional Law
ISBN: 9780409324402
Clarke, J., Keyzer, P. and Stellios, J., LexisNexis Butterworths 8th ed. 2009
Text refers to: Semester 1 and Summer Semester , On and Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Assignment 1 30% 2500
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-8 GA: 1-8
Open Book Examination 2 hrs 70%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-8 GA: 1-8

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. review the context of the adoption of the Commonwealth Constitution and perspectives on Australian nationhood;
  2. gain and document a substantive acquaintance with key constitutional concepts and doctrines;
  3. identify the powers and functions of the principal branches of government in Australia and their relationship with each other;
  4. understand the composition and procedures of the Commonwealth Parliament and its constitutional powers;
  5. document and comprehend the nature, role and powers of the Commonwealth Executive;
  6. appreciate and document issues relating to the separation of the federal judicial power and the powers and responsibilities of the High Court;
  7. study and document the implications of federalism and inter-governmental relations in Australia; and
  8. examine issues of individual rights and the extent of their protection in Australia.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will be able to demonstrate a command of significant knowledge assessed and practised in this area of law. 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
Graduates will be taught and assessed on their ability to communicate orally in written and practiced form in this area of law. 		True True True
3 Global Perspectives
Graduates will be taught how to relate and practise the assessed study of law in this area to global context. 		True True True
4 Information Literacy
Graduates will be taught how to find practised information to assess effectively and efficiently. 		True True True
5 Life-Long Learning
Graduates will be able to practise their taught knowledge in this assessed area in future legal practice and in other sectors. 		True True True
6 Problem Solving
Graduates will be taught how to apply their knowledge practised and assessed in hypothetical legal situations. 		True True True
7 Social Responsibility
Graduates will assess and practise the legal knowledge taught in this area in official and socially responsible ways. 		True True True
8 Team Work
Graduates will be able to use knowledge in this area in co-operative ways in legal practice and in other sectors. 		True True True
   

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