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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.
List of contents
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.
About the author
Luke Beck is Professor of Constitutional Law at Monash University. He is a leading scholar of Australian constitutional law and the leading expert on religious freedom under the Australian Constitution. His research has been cited by the High Court of Australia and he regularly provides expert advice to parliamentary committees. He is also a regular media commentator.
Summary
Australian Constitutional Law: Concepts and Cases provides an accessible introduction to Australian constitutional law, integrating theory and doctrine. 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.
Foreword
Australian Constitutional Law: Concepts and Cases provides an accessible introduction for law students, integrating theory and doctrine.
