Public Law examines the constitutional foundations, institutions and processes through which public power is created, exercised and constrained in Australia. It focuses on the structure of Australian government, the separation of powers, judicial review, and the legal principles that regulate public decision-making and accountability.
This specialisation analyses the design, implementation and effectiveness of Australian public law and regulatory frameworks. While relevant comparative perspectives may be considered, the primary emphasis is on Australian constitutional and administrative law and the operation of the modern Australian regulatory state.
Through a flexible range of advanced courses, students develop high-level analytical and research capabilities suited to careers in government, regulatory agencies, public sector leadership and private practice in areas involving Australian public law.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop and apply specialist legal knowledge to critically analyse complex public law problems, concepts and theories, incorporating social, comparative or transdisciplinary approaches.
- Research, evaluate and synthesise case law, legislation and scholarly literature to develop solutions to public law problems.
- Critically reflect on and communicate theoretical, policy and practical issues in public law to legal and non-legal audiences.
Other Information
Courses counted towards this specialisation may also be counted towards another specialisation, provided they are included in the study requirements for both specialisations.
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
This specialisation requires the completion of 24 units, which must consist of:
24 units from completion of the following course(s):
LAWS8016 Comparative Constitutional Law
LAWS8128 Contemporary Issues in Constitutional Law
LAWS8142 Tort Liability and Public Authorities
LAWS8158 International Law, Science and Technology
LAWS8159 Property in a Settler State
LAWS8189 Environmental and Sustainability Law
LAWS8214 Sentencing
LAWS8237 Health Law, Bioethics and Human Rights
LAWS8243 Freedom of Information and Privacy
LAWS8254 Business, Human Rights and Corporate Responsibility
LAWS8256 Law, Gender Identities and Sexualities
LAWS8275 Federal Judicial System
LAWS8297 International Law and Australian Government
LAWS8328 Australian Legal Responses to National Security and Counter Terrorism
LAWS8360 Law and Psychology
LAWS8428 Labour Law
LAWS8437 Financial Markets and Takeovers
LAWS8438 Indigenous Peoples and the Law
LAWS8445 Information Technology Law
LAWS8462 Advanced Administrative Law
LAWS8474 Climate Law
LAWS8589 Law and Religion in Australia
LAWS8596 Financial Crime Law
LAWS8598 Electoral Law in a Digital Age
LAWS8601 Comparative Human Rights
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