The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia
History, Principle and Interpretation

This book provides an engaging and distinctive treatment for anyone seeking to understand the significance and interpretation of the Constitution.

Nicholas Aroney (Author), Peter Gerangelos (Author), Sarah Murray (Author), James Stellios (Author)

9780521759182, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 11 September 2015

704 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 3.5 cm, 1 kg

The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia examines the body of constitutional jurisprudence in an original and rigorous yet accessible way. It begins by exploring the historical and intellectual context of ideas surrounding the Constitution's inception, and closely examines its text, structure, principles and purposes in that light. The book then unpacks and critically analyses the High Court's interpretation of the Constitution in a manner that follows the Constitution's own logic and method of organisation. Each topic is defined through detailed reference to the existing case law, which is set out historically to facilitate an appreciation of the progressive development of constitutional doctrine since the Constitution came into force in 1901. The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia provides an engaging and distinctive treatment of this fundamental area of law. It is an excellent book for anyone seeking to understand the significance and interpretation of the Constitution.

1. The Constitution
2. The Parliament
3. Legislative power
4. Demarcations of power
5. Limits on power
6. The Executive
7. Executive power
8. The judicature
9. Judicial power
10. The states.

Subject Areas: Constitutional & administrative law [LND], Legal history [LAZ], Law [L]