Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 200984

Coordinator Shreeya Smith Opens in new window

Description Government and Public Law introduces students to the field of public law and the operation of government in Australia. The unit has four key focus areas: Public Law in Australia, How Government Works, Government Accountability and Integrity, and Individuals and Government. The unit is intended to provide an overview of government and public law in Australia. The unit provides a foundation for the later study of Administrative Law and Constitutional Law.

School Law

Discipline Law, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Pre-requisite(s) LAWS 1003 OR
LAWS 1006

Incompatible Subjects LAWS 3010 - Commercial Transactions Law

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Discuss the history and operation of government in Australia;
2. Examine key areas of public law in Australia;
3. Apply public law to issues relating to human rights and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
4. Develop critical thinking and academic essay writing skills.

Subject Content

1. Public Law in Australia
- The idea of Public Law
- Development of Public Law in Australia
- Foundational public law values

2. How Government Works
- The Parliament
- The Executive
- The Judiciary
- Intermediate Statutory interpretation: an exploration of statutory interpretation as an expression of the constitutional relationship between the arms of government
- International Law and the Australian legal system

3. Individuals and Government
- Human Rights
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Public Law

4. Government Accountability and Integrity
- Executive Accountability to Parliament
- Public Investigatory Bodies
- Misconduct by public officials