Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

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Unit Overview

Description

This unit will examine and analyse advanced topics in public law from the perspective of a particular and changing theme from contemporary public law practice. The emphasis of the unit will be upon current public law controversies, theories and cases drawing from a range of legal fields including administrative law and constitutional law.

The chosen overarching unit theme will vary but may include:

1) Development of public law

2) Proportionality/Reasonableness

3) Deference and restraint

4) Rights protections and procedural guarantees

5) Public law institutions and institutional theory

6) Comparative public law

7) Public law advocacy and resolving public law disputes

8) The exercise of power in times of emergency (terrorism/ pandemics/ climate change/ natural disasters or times of conflict)

9) Public law theory and theories of constitutional interpretation

10) Regulation and public law

11) The frontiers of public law

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe and critically evaluate the nature, scope and implications of advanced public law issues by reference to the nominated overarching unit theme

; (2) identify and critically evaluate legal issues from the perspective of diverse and intersecting public law fields; (3) engage in self-directed legal research to create an autonomous piece of original legal writing on a relevant topic for the unit

; (4) communicate clearly in written and oral form an advanced understanding of the

legal principles, theories and cases relevant to the nominated overarching unit theme; and (5) identify, describe and evaluate potential public law reforms and/or innovations relevant to the nominated overarching unit theme.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research assignment; (2) class participation; and (3) assignment proposal. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Sarah Murray and Associate Professor Murray Wesson
Unit rules
Prerequisites
LAWS5101 Constitutional Law (ID 4089)
and LAWS4108 Foundations of Public Law (ID 4097)
and LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering (ID 4099)
and LAWS4102 Criminal Law (ID 4093)
and LAWS4103 Contract (ID 4090)
and LAWS4106 Torts (ID 4104)
and LAWS4107 Land Law (ID 4098)
and LAWS4104 Property (ID 4102) For all other students, a Bachelors Degree in Law
or Juris Doctor
Co-requisites
LAWS5102 Administrative Law (ID 4087)
Incompatibility
Enrolment in
LAWS6209 Advanced Public Law
Contact hours
3 hours per week
Texts

Essential texts can be found on LMS

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.