Administrative Law - LAWS2160

Administrative Law is a compulsory course which builds on LAWS2140 Public Law. The principles covered in this course themselves form the foundation for many other subjects, including Environmental Law and Migration Law. Students completing the subject will have an appreciation of the relationship between law and public sector administration, including the means by which law attempts to exert control over the activities of the administration and the manner in which administrative action is enabled by the law. Students will have a working understanding of the principles and procedures for review of administrative action, and an ability to apply such understanding to the resolution of problems.

The course examines the development and operation of non-judicial review and grievance mechanisms, including merits review tribunals (in particular, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the Administrative Decisions Tribunal) and the Ombudsman. The course also examines the development and operation of judicial review of administrative decisions under the common law and statutory review mechanisms including the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act (Cth), in addition to examining access to information through the provision of reasons for decision and the Freedom of Information Act.

None

The teaching methods and assessment strategies adopted in this course enable students to develop a range of skills. Those skills are as follows:

Class participation - 20%
Mid-session take-home exam or research essay - 30% (maximisable)
Final exam - 50% or 80% (depending on result in mid-session exam or essay)
Tribunal Report - Pass/Fail