Course Title: Constitutional Law

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Constitutional Law

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
LAW2584	City Campus	Undergraduate	660H Graduate School of Business and Law	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2022, Sem 2 2023, Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Timnah Baker

Course Coordinator Phone: +

Course Coordinator Email: timnah.baker@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 13

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Enforced Prerequisites:
054011 Australian Government and Statutory Interpretation

AND

054017 Contract Law
OR
054907 Advanced Principles of Contract Law

Course Description

Constitutional Law is the law that sets out the structure and operation of government in Australia. The course introduces you to key concepts and theories of Australian constitutional law, as well as the theories and principles of constitutional interpretation.

The course examines the powers granted to the Commonwealth under the constitution and the impact of the High Court’s interpretation of those provisions on the federal balance of power.

The course also examines the constitutional limitations on the exercise of governmental power in Australia, including the doctrine of separation of powers and the express and implied guarantees of rights and freedoms.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

-

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will:

CLO1: Critique the broad theoretical basis, and the social and historical context of Australian constitutional law, including the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the Australian constitutions.

CLO2: Analyse the Commonwealth and relevant State or Territory constitutions and constitutional systems, including the relationships between the laws and governments of a State, the Commonwealth and its Territories.

CLO3: Identify what may affect the constitutional validity of laws or executive actions. 

CLO4: Apply the principles and methods of constitutional interpretation.

CLO5: Critique how constitutions and their interpretation establish and reflect rights and freedoms.

CLO6: Demonstrate understanding of the mechanisms for amending the Australian constitutions and relevant proposals for constitutional change.

 

 

Overview of Learning Activities

To achieve the objectives this course requires you to participate in various learning activities. These activities comprise of lectures, tutorials, self-directed learning, participation through in-class and online activities, legal writing exercises, collaborating with peers on set tasks or projects, statutory interpretation exercise, and a final examination.

Overview of Learning Resources

Various learning resources are available online through myRMIT Studies/Canvas. These include seminar slides, assessment details, links to relevant internet information, readings and communication tools to facilitate collaboration with your peers.

Resources are also available online through RMIT Library databases and other facilities. Visit the RMIT library website for further details. Assistance is available online via our chat and email services, face to face at our campus libraries or via the telephone on (03) 9925 2020.

Additional resources and/or sources to assist your learning will be identified by your course coordinator and will be made available to you as required during the teaching period.

Overview of Assessment

Assessment Task 1: 10%
Linked CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Assessment Task 2: 40%
Linked CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

Assessment Task 3: 50%
Linked CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6