LAWS6007
10 units
6000 level
Course handbook
Description
The study of Administrative Law involves examination of the legal rules and institutions through which government decision-making is authorised, controlled, and challenged. This course examines the legal principles that regulate the exercise of executive power by administrative agencies and officials, and the means by which administrative decisions can be supervised, controlled and challenged. It explains the role of tribunals in providing merits review and the role of the courts in undertaking judicial review (which is a key vehicle in promoting the rule of law). Particular attention is paid to the grounds for judicial review and the consequences of unlawful decision-making. Consideration is also given to the role of independent statutory agencies such as the Ombudsman and anti-corruption bodies in investigating individual complaints about government decision-making as well as undertaking investigations into systemic problems in administration. Means of accessing information held by the administration are also evaluated.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Newcastle City Precinct
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate specialised knowledge and understanding of the concepts and principles of administrative law.
2. Demonstrate specialised skills in statutory interpretation and in analysing case law as well as the ability to identify and analyse relevant secondary sources.
3. Apply specialised technical skills in legal reasoning, statutory interpretation, and case analysis skills to solve administrative law problems.
4. Demonstrate critical understanding of the values of administrative law, and of the avenues to seek review of decisions made by government bodies.
5. Demonstrate critical awareness of ambiguities in administrative law, current issues in administrative law, and the contexts in which administrative law may be relevant.
6. Communicate effectively in writing to specialist and non-specialist audiences and conduct independent legal research in the context of administrative law.
Content
The course will comprise eight key areas of study:
- The nature and functions of administrative law.
- Merits review and administrative tribunals.
- Judicial review of administrative decision-making.
- Grounds of judicial review.
- Consequences of unlawful decision-making.
- Executive power, rule-making and delegated legislation.
- Public oversight of administrative action and investigative bodies, including Ombudsman offices.
- Access to information held by the administration.
The course will develop the following skills:
- Content Management
- Advanced Statutory Interpretation
- Social Justice
Requisite
Students must be active in the
Juris Doctor / Grad Dip in Legal Practice [12334];
Juris Doctor [50016];
or the Master of Laws [12333] to enrol in this course.
Assumed knowledge
LAWS6000, LAWS6001, LAWS6120, LAWS6121, LAWS6130, LAWS6140, LAWS6141, LAWS6006
Assessment items
In Term Test: Online Test
Written Assignment: Written Case Analysis
3 hr Formal Examination: Open Book Formal Examination
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct
Seminar-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.