Constitutional Law (7022.4)

This unit examines the impact of the Commonwealth Constitution on the way in which Australia operates. It examines the Commonwealth/State relationship, the constitutional significance of political institutions, the influence of the constitution on federal governance, and the impact of the constitution on individuals.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the legal foundations of Australian public institutions and the impact of the Constitution on private and commercial life;

2. Show awareness that federation involves a constant sense of friction between the Commonwealth and the States;
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the High Court in the governance of Australia and how the Commonwealth works within the constitutional limitations to achieve its goals;
4. Identify the different strands in a constitutional law case and to see how the law interacts with political and social issues;
5. Analyse complex legal arguments and reasoning;
6. Find a constitutional law basis on which to support a piece of legislation; and
7. Compose and express complex legal arguments.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

Completion of Legal Systems or equivalent and enrolment in the LLB program.