The course aims to engender critical thought about the complex, subtle and still-evolving role of the High Court as a legal, political and social institution in the Australian constitutional system. The course will be structured around a number of topics and themes. These may include, for example: the creation of the High Court and its early struggle to assert itself; the appointment and removal of judges; landmark cases and their impact on the Court; and, the value of a biographical lens to the study of the Court and its role.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain, appraise and evaluate the High Court’s role and function in Australian history and contemporary society.
- Describe, analyse and critique the social, biographical, political, institutional and legal factors that have framed that function.
- Design, plan and execute a substantial piece of written scholarship, with some independence
- Utilise legal databases and other reference sources to research relevant materials (including, for example, case law, legislation, scholarly journal articles and books).
- Consistently and accurately use legal citation conventions in the course of legal writing
- Engage in communication and debate with peers and staff in ways which respect social and cultural diversity.
Other Information
Classes may be offered in non-standard sessions and be taught on an intensive base with compulsory contact hours (a minimum of 36 hours). Please refer to the LLB timetable for dates. Please contact the ANU College of Law Student Administration Services to request a permission code to enrol in classes offered in non-standard sessions.
Indicative Assessment
- A Reflective Class Paper (20) [LO 1,2]
- Research Essay (80) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Classes offered during semester periods are expected to have 3 contact hours per week (a minimum of 36 hours). Students are generally expected to devote at least 10 hours overall per week to this course.
Inherent Requirements
To enrol in this course you must be studying a:
Bachelor of Laws (ALLB, BLLBA), have completed or be completing five 1000 level LAWS courses and have completed LAWS2204 Property;
OR
Juris Doctor (MJD), have completed or be completing five 1000 or 6100 level LAWS courses and have completed LAWS2204/LAWS6204 Property.
You are not able to enrol in this course if you have previously completed LAWS8246 The High Court of Australia.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There will be no dedicated textbook for this course. A variety of resource materials will be placed on the course Wattle site, and extensive recommended readings will be placed on short-term reserve.In addition, the single most useful reference work, with particular value as a concise introduction to most topics, is Tony Blackshield, Michael Coper and George Williams (eds), The Oxford Companion to the High Court of Australia (OUP, 2001).
Preliminary Reading
Students must rely on the approved Class Summary which will be posted to the Programs and Courses site approximately 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the course.
Assumed Knowledge
A visit to the High Court of Australia, and observation of its operations is recommended but not essential.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4170 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
