James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

LB5244 - Legal Institutions and Governance

Subject Description

This subject critically interrogates the operation of Australian and international legal institutions and governance frameworks, with particular emphasis on the Australian judicial, legislative and executive domains. It critically investigates the historical foundations of Australian law, the processes of colonisation and its impact on Indigenous peoples, how the law and its institutions derive legitimacy, and various public law and governance theories. The subject is designed to cater to a wide variety of student interests in different governance domains.

Learning Outcomes

• research and apply established public law and governance theories in relation to a range of constitutional law concepts within Australia and the international context
• demonstrate an advanced understanding of the operation of Australian and International legal Institutions and governance frameworks
• critically analyse, reflect on and synthesise complex information regarding how the law and its institutions derive legitimacy through Australian governance frameworks
• interpret, communicate and present legal knowledge and its application to governance issues to legal and non-legal audiences
• apply knowledge and skills to construct responsible, adaptable responses to a range of legal and ethical questions and scenarios arising within Australian legal institutions and governance processes

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (60%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (20%) - Individual

Note that 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.

Corequisites:  N/A

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