Constitutional Law (LAW399)

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate cognitive awareness and an ability to analyse the broader principles of the context and the principles underpinning the Commonwealth Constitution; and perspectives of nationhood;
2. use technical skills in analysing the specialist key constitutional concepts and doctrines, including the techniques and principles of constitutional interpretation, characterisation, and the separation of powers in discussing constitutional issues;
3. identify, analyse and evaluate the powers and functions of the principal branches of government in Australia and their relationship with each other for the purpose of testing the validity of legislative action;
4. use initiative and professional judgment to engage in critical analysis of the High Court's decisions involving the interpretation and application of the Constitutional provisions, particularly when this involves determining the demarcation of power between the Commonwealth and the States;
5. demonstrate coherent and effective written communication skills in discussing and analysing a topic on constitutional law, or formulating an advice that applies the principles of constitutional law to a hypothetical problem; and
6. demonstrate the ability to clearly identify, comprehend, interpret, analyse and apply constitutional law documentation of a substantive, procedural and unit based nature in assessments.