LAW4112: Advanced Constitutional Law

Review #1 - written in 2019

RECORDED LECTURES: 

Yes.

IS THERE A PRESCRIBED TEXTBOOK? 

No, readings were online.

WHAT UNITS SHARES THE DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THE UNIT YOU ARE REVIEWING?

Same level as Constitutional law – just more in depth and analytical study

ANY UNITS TO PAIR WITH THIS UNIT OR TO AVOID?

As there are no prescribed readings, probably best to do with subjects that have constant assessments or readings.

HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE QUALITY OF THE UNIT?

Very good.

HOW INTERESTING WAS THE UNIT CONTENT OUT OF 5?

5.

TIPS FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS: 

Start on the assignment early – you need to spend a few weeks reading the case and researching.

FURTHER COMMENTS:

Lectures were mainly a discussion (As the class was small – 13 students). Lecturer encourages participation (there are marks for participation). Unit guide was clear and most of the lecture slides are put up weeks in advance. The assessments are broken up into 5% class participation, 5% class presentation on a case, 40% assignment and 50% open book exam. The assignment is a 2000 word essay on a recent High Court case and the exam involves a problem question. The content covered was current issues in Constitutional law – dual citizenship crisis, scope of the defence power and republic debate etc. Would only recommend doing this subject if you are actually interested in Constitutional law. But overall lecturer is a very passionate who wants their students to do well

Review #2 - written in 2015

COMMENTS: 

This was a very interesting subject, but not something to do if you want easy marks. It was thought provoking and theoretical based, rather than problem style. The faculty notes were a perfect guide to the course, and the readings were what the tutorials were based on. There were only 20 people in the class, so there was no power points or overly structured classes, they were more of a discussion on theory. It is worth the class just to see Goldsworthy discuss his ideas. There are participation marks so be prepared to speak up and voice your opinion or lose those marks. The research assignment was very broad, we were given 12 topics to choose from as well as the option to create our own topic. It was due in week 12.

The exam was difficult to prepare for given it was the first subject. He did give us a run down on the style, and it did stick the readings and those subject matters discussed. Reviewing the readings and arguments made for and against ideas in class was the best way to prepare.

Preparation time outside of class is not that much, just the readings, which I would allocate 2-3 hours per week to do. Therefore it can be done with a heavier load, as the assignment is not due until the end of the semester. This unit is best if you really liked Constitutional Law, and wanted to understand more of its complexities. You will not enjoy it if you did not like Constitutional, or if you wish to rote learn content. It requires you to think, and engage.