Course overview
In this course, students will learn about legal rules and principles that control government action, focusing on the executive arm of government and the exercise of power by the executive in the context of contemporary challenges related to the environment and sustainability and social justice. Students will learn about the rules and principles that have developed through the common law system to ensure that executive government acts lawfully, fairly and reasonably, while remaining accountable for its decisions, and how these principles can be adapted to address emerging issues. They will learn how government is accountable for the exercise of public power and how government leverages data to assist with the making of informed decisions and to enhance policy formulation. Additionally, students will learn how to interpret statutes through judicial review of statutory powers pursuant to judicial review legislation. Students will apply these principles and skills to solve complex factual administrative law problems while considering the broader implications for society and the planet.
Course learning outcomes
- Identify the principles of administrative law that inform the review of administrative decision making in Australian law and apply relevant principles to complex legal problems
- Evaluate the legal frameworks surrounding the judicial and administrative review of government decisions to ensure legality, fairness, and accountability
- Apply knowledge of the legal principles affecting government decision making including data driven administrative decision making to solve complex legal problems
- Prepare written arguments for a legal audience in the field of administrative law addressing relevant issues to solve complex legal problems
- Present oral arguments for a legal audience in the field of administrative law addressing relevant issues to solve complex legal problems