LA3105 - Constitutional Law

Credit points:	03
Year:	2008
Student Contribution Band:	Band 3
Administered by:	School of Law Office

Available to LLB and combined LLB students or by permission of Head of School.

The subject provides students with detailed knowledge in relation to Constitutional systems at both the state and Commonwealth levels, including specific reference to the differing roles of the executive, judicial and legislative arms of government, the relationship between different institutions of governance and the doctrine of the separation of powers. The subject also examines the history of the development of Australian legislatures and the process of federation, as well as the ongoing consequences of this history particularly as regards the relationship of the different levels of government. The subject further analyses the nature of Australia's constitutional arrangements with particular reference to rights, immunities and protections recognised at the Commonwealth level and key aspects of commonwealth legislative competence under s51.

Learning Outcomes

• describe the formal institutional arrangements established by constitutional instruments at state and commonwealth levels;
• demonstrate the ongoing significance of constitutional theory, history and doctrine to the practice of governance in Australia;
• explain the operation of the doctrine of the separation of powers in contemporary Australia;
• analyse significant themes and processes of change that have influenced Australian constitutional law and practice since settlement;
• critique the structure and practice of governance in contemporary Australia.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to find and access information using appropriate media and technologies;
• An understanding of the economic, legal, ethical, social and cultural issues involved in the use of information;
• The acquisition of coherent and disciplined sets of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics from at least one discipline area;
• The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively;
• The ability to lead, manage and contribute effectively to teams;
• The ability to work individually and independently;
• The ability to use online technologies effectively and ethically.

Prerequisites:	(LA1101 and LA1102 and LA1103 and LA1104) or (LA1007 and LA1006) or LA1002
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	LA2013 and LA2014 and LA2004

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 05-Sep-2008
Coordinator:	Dr Chris Davies
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 12 hours tutorials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); tutorial attendance and participation (10%); assignments (40%).
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 05-Sep-2008
Coordinator:	Dr Chris Davies
Lecturer:	Dr Helen Sungaila.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 12 hours tutorials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); tutorial attendance and participation (10%); assignments (40%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.