Course overview
An introduction to the role and content of public law in the Australian legal system. Selected topics will include: introduction to Federal and State Constitutions, both written and in common law; historical background and theories of constitutionalism, including an introduction to the doctrine of separation of powers and the nature of legislative, executive and judicial power at both Commonwealth and State levels; the exercise of judicial power and the role of the judiciary; the roles of and interactions between courts, parliaments and the executive; representative and responsible government, including the relation of citizens and their parliaments and the structure of government administration; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the Constitution; and the protection of human rights in Australia. The course provides a foundation for Australian Constitutional Law and Administrative Law.
Course learning outcomes
- Evaluate and apply the foundational principles of Australian constitutional and administrative law to a range of problems, and undertake legal research at a foundational level with primary and secondary materials.
- Apply public law to complex issues, and critique the operation of public law from a policy perspective, either individually or as part of a team.
- Develop effective and concise arguments to convince a legal audience. Communicate effectively individually and as part of a team.
- Exercise professional judgement in conducting a cooperative project on a current topic in public law. Interact effectively as a member of a team.
- Analyse the impact of public law from policy perspectives, and in the context of social and cultural diversity.
- Reflect on individual ability to effectively undertake legal work as a member of a team. Utilise feedback to inform improvement in knowledge and skills development.The Legal Practitioners' Education and Admissions Council (LPEAC) sets rules for the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in South Australia. Students must demonstrate a satisfactory level of understanding and application of 11 core areas of legal knowledge. This course teaches the following topics within these core areas:Administrative Law:Organization and structure of the administrationAdministrative law theoryAdministrative Appeals Tribunal (introduction)Federal and State Constitutional Law:State constitutions and constitutional systemsThe Commonwealth Constitution and constitutional system (introduction)The constitution and operation of the legislature, executive and judiciaryThe relationship between the different institutions of government and the separation of powersThe relationship between the different levels of government
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.