Key facts
UNE unit code: LAW399
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
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This unit studies the theory and practice of the law of government in Australia. It focuses primarily on the Commonwealth Constitution and role of High Court of Australia in its interpretation. It studies the powers and workings of the three branches of government as reflected in the chapter structure of the Constitution - the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.
You will also explore the NSW Constitution law-making powers and consider the key restraints upon Commonwealth executive and legislative power. The role of the High Court and the distribution of powers between the Commonwealth and States is central to all these topics. You will gain an awareness of the unique knowledge and skills required of legal professionals to understand constitutional law, which will add valuable insights to benefit your career.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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
- demonstrate the ability to clearly identify, comprehend, interpret, analyse and apply constitutional law documentation of a substantive, procedural and unit based nature in assessments.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Online Quiz 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Case - Section Reading, Interpretation and Application online quiz. The quiz is offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology.
|
Online Quiz 2 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Case - Section Reading, Interpretation and Application online quiz. The quiz is offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. |
Open Book Examination | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Open Book Examination. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. No. Words: 2000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Australia's Constitution: With Overview and Notes by the Australian Government Solicitor
ISBN: 9780646979687
Commonwealth of Australia, Department of the Senate 14th ed. 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
Federal Constitutional Law: A Contemporary View
ISBN: 9780455241449
Joseph, S. and Castan, M., Thomson Reuters 5th ed. 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
Blackshield and Williams Australian Constitutional Law and Theory: Commentary and Materials
ISBN: 9781760024819
Stephenson, P., Ananian-Welsh, P., Lynch, A., Williams, G. and Brennan, S., The Federation Press 8th standard ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Principles of Australian Constitutional Law
ISBN: 9780409341959
Keyzer, P., Goff, C. and Fisher, A., LexisNexis Butterworths 5th ed. 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
Constitutional Law in Australia
ISBN: 9780409341591
Hanks, P., Gordon, F. and Hill, G., LexisNexis Butterworths 4th ed. 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
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Studying online
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We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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