Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 201056

Coordinator Michael Head Opens in new window

Description This unit examines the legal principles regulating the exercise of power by the executive arm of government in its various manifestations; ministers, government departments and officials, regulatory bodies, tribunals, inferior courts and local councils. This is examined in the context of Australian constitutional arrangements and it is taught in the context of constitutional themes and principles that underpin the law in this area. The exercise of power examined includes decision making, the exercise of discretion, delegated legislation and the decision making procedure of the major administrative tribunals. The focus is on the principles of judicial review developed by the courts, standing and remedies. There is also an examination of major non-judicial avenues of review by the major tribunals such as the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and the Ombudsman. The unit will also examine Freedom of Information legislation.

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 Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Pre-requisite(s) LAWS 7057 Government and Public Law

Incompatible Subjects LAWS 3081 Administrative Law

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in a postgraduate program.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Analyse principles of administrative law, procedure and policy, and their relationship to broader social, economic and political contexts;
2. Provide advice to resolve problems that indicate a deep comprehension of administrative law;
3. Evaluate relevant case law and legislation using a range of legal research tools and methods;
4. Evaluate ethical issues arising in administrative law practice and the professional responsibilities of lawyers in maintaining a just and civilised society.

Subject Content

- introduction and Overview of administrative Law in its constitutional context
- access to government (freedom of information and Reasons for decisions)
- non-Judicial Review of administrative action
- Judicial Review, including The grounds of Judicial Review, primarily ultra vires, natural justice, jurisdictional error
- Judicial Review of delegated Legislation
- Standing
- Judicial Remedies
- investigating administrative Activity (Corruption and Ombudsman)