Unit outline_

LAWS5007: Public Law and Statutory Interpretation

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study is designed to introduce students to Australian public law: the body of legal principles that constitute and regulate public power. It examines the functions and powers of the three branches of the Australian government — Parliament, the executive, and the courts — and the relationships between them, including the way courts interpret legislation. This unit is intended to complement students’ further studies in Constitutional Law and Administrative Law.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Law
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
LAWS5000 or LAWS5019
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
LAWS1021
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Emily Hammond, emily.hammond@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Peter Chiam, peter.chiam@sydney.edu.au
Kevin Zou, kevin.zou@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam
? 
Final exam (60%)
Two problem questions and one essay question. 2.5 hours + 30 minutes reading time
60% Formal exam period 2.5 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO3 LO5
Out-of-class quiz Early Feedback Task Early feedback test (0%)
Online multiple choice questions
0% Week 03
Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59
Online multiple choice questions AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Written test
? 
Mid-semester test (40%)
One problem and one essay question. 1.5 hours + 30 mins reading time
40% Week 06
Due date: 12 Sep 2025 at 17:00
1.5 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task (0%):  

The Early Feedback Task in this unit is an online multiple-choice quiz assessing material covered in Topics 1 and 2.  

The task will be available on Canvas from Monday 4 August 2025 and must be completed by 11.59pm Friday 22 August 2025 (Sydney, Australia time). This is a non-weighted task and students will be provided with immediate, automated feedback, upon completion of the task. 

  

 In-semester test (40%):  

The 40% in-semester test will assess material covered in topics 1-5 inclusive. It will be an open book on-campus supervised test with 90 minutes writing time plus 30 minutes reading time. The test will comprise one problem question and one essay question. It will commence at 5.00pm (Sydney, Australia time) on Friday 12 September 2025. 

 

Final exam (60%): 

The 60% final exam will be an open book on-campus supervised exam during the University’s formal exam period. It will be 2.5 hours writing time plus 30 minutes reading time. The examination will comprise one essay question and two problem questions. All topics are assessable on the final exam. The exam timetable will be released by the Exams Office in due course. Exam information is available at https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/exams/timetables.html

 

 

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.   

  

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all weighted assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study.  

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1). 

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

  • Completely answers the question.
  • Contains striking originality of approach or analysis.
  • Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required).
  • Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed.
  • Is otherwise exceptional in some way.

Distinction

75 - 84

  • Completely answers the question.
  • Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues.
  • Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument.
  • Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument.
  • Generally well expressed and free from errors.
  • Has a clear structure and is well articulated.

Credit

65 - 74

  • Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question.
  • Contains no significant errors.
  • Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues.
  • Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues.
  • Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.

Pass

50 - 64

  • Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument.
  • Contains some significant errors.
  • Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues.
  • Offers a descriptive summary of material relevant to the question.
  • Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase.
  • Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis.
  • Adequate expression.
  • Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.

Fail

0 - 49

  • Does not answer the question.
  • Contains significant or numerous errors.
  • Few or no identifiable arguments.
  • Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant.
  • Lack of research or analysis.
  • Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure.
  • Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties do not apply to exams and tests and any late submission will not be accepted.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week -01 Topic 1: Ngura and foundations of Commonwealth and States Online class (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 01 Topic 1: Ngura and foundations of Commonwealth and States Topic 2: Introduction to key ideas of Anglo-Australian Public Law Topic 3: Power to amend constitutional arrangements Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Topic 3: Continued Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Topic 4: Representative parliament and popular sovereignty Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Topics 3 and 4 workshop Topic 5: Ngara (1) – Constitutional Amendment Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Topic 6: The executive in relation to parliament Topic 7: Non-statutory executive power Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Topic 7 continued Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Topics 6 and 7 workshop Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Topic 8: The national judiciary and separated judicial power Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Topic 8 continued Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Topic 9 Punishment as an exclusively judicial function Topic 10: Judicial power to interpret legislation Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Topic 10 continued Topic 11: Ngara (2) – Constitutional Interpretation Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Topics 8-10 workshop Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Exam revision workshop Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend at least 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for each unit of study. Failure to meet this requirement may result in a student being precluded from undertaking the final assessment. 

 

 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Required readings will be published as pdf readers on canvas. 

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Advanced understanding of select rules and principles of public law and statutory interpretation, including the functions and powers of the three branches of government and the relationships between them, and the way Australian courts interpret legislation.
  • LO2. Understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander knowledges and perspectives on select public law issues.
  • LO3. Advanced ability to integrate and apply select rules and principles of public law and statutory interpretation to resolve legal problems.
  • LO4. Advanced ability to evaluate and critique select rules and principles of public law and statutory interpretation.
  • LO5. Advanced ability to communicate with legal audiences in ways that are accurate, effective and persuasive.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Student feedback is taken into account each year in revising the unit of study and how it operates.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.