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Foundations of Public Law unit (LAW253)

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Location: Hobart

Introduction

The unit introduces students to the study of public law within the sub-disciplines of constitutional and administrative law. Public law is also the foundation of a range of other disciplines of law including: criminal, human rights, environmental, international, immigration, taxation, corporations and industrial relations law. The main theme of this unit is public law in contemporary practice; in particular how public law defines, constrains and empowers governmental action. Students will develop both a theoretical and practical understanding of the subject matter and participate in learning and assessment based on contemporary public law issues. This unit will provide students with part of the necessary theory to complete a law degree in accordance with Law Admission requirements and is a prerequisite for the core constitutional law units.

Summary

Unit name Foundations of Public Law
Unit code LAW253
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Faculty of Law
Discipline Law
Coordinator Ms Anja Hilkemeijer
Available as an elective? No
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/2/2026 16/3/2026 19/4/2026 13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify, analyse and explain the functions, powers and limits on the powers of public institutions, demonstrating sound knowledge of the content and theory underpinning public law in Australia.
  • Critically analyse contemporary public law problems using the case method and present arguments in relation to the legal issues raised by those problems.
  • Present persuasive legal arguments through writing to a professional standard response to questions about contemporary issues concerning Australian public law.
  • Contribute regularly, respectfully and meaningfully to class discussions with a demonstrated understanding of assigned primary and secondary sources.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
090999 $2,174.00 $1,703.00 not applicable $2,249.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

LAW107 and an additional 25 credit points of Law units.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

1.5 hour lecture per week (on campus).

1.5 hour workshop per week (on campus).

AssessmentWorkshop participation AT1 (20%)|Exam AT3 (40%)|Written tasks AT2 (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Appleby et al, Australian Public Law (OUP, 4th edition, 2023)

 

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