LAW5007 Principles of constitutional law
Faculty of Law
LAW5007 Principles of constitutional law is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Law. It isn't offered in 2024. It needs LAW5004 and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2024
- Other periods
- Monash Law Chambers
- Assessment
- Exam 60%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2024 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before LAW5007
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After LAW5007
1 unit list LAW5007 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
The unit examines the Victorian and Australian Constitutions, the Statute of Westminster and the Australia Acts; the separation of judicial powers at State and Commonwealth levels; Australian federalism and inter-governmental relations, including the distribution of legislative and fiscal powers between the Commonwealth and the States, inconsistency of laws, and intergovernmental immunities; some principal Commonwealth legislative powers; limitations on governmental power, including selected express and limited constitutional rights and freedoms, and critical analysis of techniques and principles of constitutional interpretation.
Offerings in 2024
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Monash Law Chambers | On campus, block |
| Trimester 2 | Monash Law Chambers | On campus, block |
| Trimester 3 | Monash Law Chambers | On campus, block |
Assessment
- Class participationParticipation10%
- Research assignment30%
- Final ExamExam60%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Analyse and critically evaluate the current state of Commonwealth and Victorian constitutional law and practice, and discuss reform issues;
- 2
Analyse and critically evaluate judgments of the High Court of Australia and other Australian courts in constitutional cases, including from the perspectives of a. the interpretive techniques used, and b. the principles or policies underlying the relevant constitutional doctrines or provisions;
- 3
Demonstrate sophisticated cognitive and creative skills to justify and interpret professional opinions relating to the constitutional validity of Commonwealth and Victorian legislation and executive actions, and to make reasoned and appropriate choices among alternatives;
- 4
Select, analyse and apply constitutional law interpretive principles to generate appropriate jurisprudential and practical responses to complex legal issues;
- 5
Communicate and collaborate effectively and persuasively; and
- 6
Work with a high degree of autonomy, independence and professionalism
Workload and teaching
- Workshops36 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
Students enrolled in this unit will be provided with 36 contact hours of seminars per semester whether intensive, semi-intensive, or semester-long offering. Students will be expected to do reading set for class, and to undertake additional research and reading applicable to a 6 credit point unit.
Learning resources
Required resources
See the Moodle unit page for prescribed and recommended resources. Prescribed texts are usually available for purchase through the University Bookstore and are sometimes available for short-term loan or as eBooks through the library.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- James Blaker
- Professor Luke Beck
- Dr Caroline Henckels
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for LAW5007?
You need LAW5004 before you enrol.
What can I take after LAW5007?
LAW5007 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including LAW5014.
When is LAW5007 offered?
LAW5007 has no offerings listed in the 2024 handbook.
Does LAW5007 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.