Australian Constitutional Law
Concepts and Cases

Australian Constitutional Law: Concepts and Cases provides an accessible introduction for law students, integrating theory and doctrine.

Luke Beck (Author)

9781009326605, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 4 January 2024

782 pages
24.4 x 17 x 4 cm, 1.322 kg

An understanding of the Australian Constitution as a framework for government in Australia is critical for any law student interested in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld. Australian Constitutional Law: Concepts and Cases provides an accessible introduction to Australian constitutional law, integrating theory and doctrine. This book provides clear explanations and carefully selected case extracts that are structured conceptually, rather than chronologically, to enable students to understand both the current state of constitutional law doctrine and how to engage in constitutional reasoning. Discussion questions throughout encourage students to consider how the law has evolved and how it can be applied to hypothetical legislation. The second edition has been updated to include commentary on significant recent High Court decisions and a new chapter that examines the scope of the Commonwealth's power to impose taxation. Written by leading constitutional law scholar Luke Beck, Australian Constitutional Law remains an invaluable resource for law students.

Part I. Introduction: 1. Introduction to Australian constitutional law
Part II. Legislative Powers: 2. State legislative powers
3. Constitutional method: interpretation, characterisation and invalidity
4. Trade and commerce power
5. Corporations power
6. External affairs power
7. Immigration and aliens powers
8. Taxation power
9. Constitutional alteration and the race power
Part III. Limitations on Powers: 10. Acquisition of property on just terms
11. Freedom of religion
12. Implied freedom of political communication
13. Freedom of inter-State trade, commerce and intercourse
Part IV. The Federal Parliament: 14. The Federal Parliament
15. Choosing members of Federal Parliament
Part V. The Courts and Judicial Power: 16. The scope of federal judicial power
17. Separation of federal judicial power
18. Non-judicial detention
19. Institutional integrity of courts
Part VI. The Federal Executive: 20. Federal executive power
21. Power to spend money
Part VII. Federalism: 22. Inconsistency between federal and State laws
23. Intergovernmental immunities
24. Rights of out-of-State residents.

Subject Areas: Constitutional & administrative law [LND]