Courses & Units
Constitutional Law LAW250
Introduction
The Constitution is the fundamental law of our society and the fountainhead of all other powers, duties and responsibilities in our legal system. Given its status and importance, the Constitution is often at the centre of many high profile public debates and issues. Indeed, it is in the constitutional arena where the titans of our society - State and Federal governments, the Executive, politicians and corporations - resolve their disputes; most often before the High Court. The High Court also hears matters that affect the relationship between individuals and the State, defining important features such as rights and freedoms in our society. Constitutional law is relevant to all areas of law and all career paths. Lawyers must understand the Constitution because, put simply, the Constitution is the trunk from which all other laws branch. For instance, corporate law, tax, media & communications, human rights, environmental law (and even torts like defamation) find their source or limitations in the Constitution. For those of you planning a career in the public or political sectors this course will equip you with an understanding of the scope and limitations on institutional power and the capacity of the Government to operate in specific areas. Even if your planned career lies outside these paths, constitutional law will give you a much broader understanding of contemporary politics and help you make informed democratic decisions. Through this course we will teach the legal, theoretical and historical basis necessary for an informed analysis of the subject matter. Students also have an important role to play by participating in discussion and debate about the power and the politics arising from this ever relevant and always evolving area of law and practice.
Summary
| Unit name | Constitutional Law |
|---|---|
| Unit code | LAW250 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Arts, Law and Education Faculty of Law |
| Discipline | Law |
| Coordinator | Ms Anja Hilkemeijer |
| Available as an elective? | No |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Intermediate |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 22/7/2024 | 16/8/2024 | 9/9/2024 | 27/10/2024 |
* 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 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Know and understand the rules and principles of Federal and State constitutional law, including the complex relationships between them.
- Apply knowledge of constitutional law to contemporary problems, and reflect on the operation of constitutional law in social, economic and political contexts.
- Present arguments addressing hypothetical constitutional problems. Communicate effectively.
- Use feedback to inform the development of legal reasoning and writing skills.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 090903 | $2,040.00 | $1,597.00 | not applicable | $2,040.00 |
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 UConnect 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
LAW253 Foundations of Public LawTeaching
| Teaching Pattern | Seminar: 2 hours Weekly Workshops: 2 hours Fortnightly (Workshop in Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11) |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Assessment Task 1: Participation (10%)|Assessment Task 2: Written Assessment (25%)|Assessment Task 3: Written Assessment (25%)|Assessment Task 4: Exam (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Hanks Australian Constitutional Law Materials and Commentary, 11th edition - LexisNexis |
Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
|---|
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.