Outline

Overview

Administrative Law is the study of the relationships of individuals and organisations with government. This unit examines the legal principles applying to those relationships with the aim of developing an understanding of how government is held accountable. It seeks to develop students' understanding of how the values of openness, rationality, and fairness in government decision-making are promoted through administrative forms of review, such as merits review and Ombudsman investigations, and judicial review.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	LAWS5007
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	LAWS2010
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Emily Hammond, emily.hammond@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Open-Book Exam (60%) Written response to two equally weighted problem questions	60%	Formal exam period	2.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Research Essay (40%) Research Essay	40%	Mid-semester break Due date: 22 Apr 2025 at 11:59 Closing date: 08 May 2025	2000 words / 5 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Early Feedback Task (0%) Online quiz #early feedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 14 Mar 2025 at 11:59 Closing date: 14 Mar 2025	5 questions
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early Feedback task (0%): This unit includes an Early Feedback Task (#earlyfeedbacktask) that is designed to provide students with timely insights into their understanding and engagement with the unit content. It serves as a diagnostic tool to identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement, supporting students to stay on track for successful completion of the unit. The Early Feedback Task in this unit is a multiple choice quiz comprising 5 questions. It will be tailored to reflect key concepts from weeks 1-2. The task will be available on Canvas from 24 February 2025 and must be completed by 11.59pm Friday 14 March 2025 (Sydney, Australia time). Students will be provided with immediate automated feedback upon completion of the task.

Research Essay (40%): The essay task requires independent research to respond critically and innovatively to an administrative law question. The topic (or choice of topics) and marking rubric will be released to students on the canvas site on Friday of week 3 of semester. Please note that the rubric will reflect that ethical and responsible use of AI is permitted as a support for students' independent research, critical evaluation and analysis, and written communication. Additionally, a research log and bibliography will be required (details will be provided through the canvas site no later than Friday of week 3).

The essay will be due at 11.59pm, Sydney Australia time, on Tuesday 22 April 2025.
The essay has a maximum word limit of 2000 words. The total word count excludes: citations and other non-discursive text in footnotes; the research log; the bibliography; acknowledgements of permissible assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI.
The essay must comply with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018).

Final Exam (60%): The final exam will be an on-campus invigilated exam during the University's formal exam period (date and time to be scheduled by the Exams Office) with 2.5 hours writing time plus 30 minutes reading time. The exam is a hurdle task, meaning that students must pass the exam to pass the unit. The exam will consist of two equally weighted problem questions, both of which must be answered. Please note that the exam timetable is set and released to students by the Exams Office, for further information see: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/exams/timetables.html

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof.

Use of editors or proof-readers: In completing the essay task, students may use editors, proof-readers, and automated writing tools (including translation software, grammar checkers, reference generators and artificial intelligence), provided that all use is acknowledged and consistent with University policies and procedures including Academic Integrity Policy. Acknowledgments must be made in writing on the front of the work submitted for assessment, or in an appropriate footnote or other reference, and state the name of the person or software.

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

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must pass the exam to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above). Additionally, a student must make a genuine attempt at all 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) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, without an approved extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per 24 hours or part thereof, after the due time on the due date. For example, a submission after 11.59pm but before the same time the following day will attract a 10% penalty. Late penalties do not apply to exams and any late submission will not be accepted.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

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 2023 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 2023. 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Responsible and ethical use of AI in research essay	Online class (0.25 hr)
Week 01	1. Administrative action in constitutional context; 2. 'New Administrative Law' institutions and values	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 02	3. Authorised decision-makers; 4. Substantive conditions on administrative decisions	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 03	4. Substantive conditions on administrative decisions (continued)	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 04	5. Procedural conditions on administrative decisions	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 05	5. Procedural conditions on administrative decisions (continued)	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 06	6. Preconditions on power	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 07	7. Delegated legislation	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 07	Practice problems for Topics 3-6	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	8. Supervisory jurisdictions; 9. Remedies	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 09	10. Standing; 12 Entrenched review	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 10	11. Jurisdictional error; 13. Invalidity	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 11	14. Public functions; 16. Administrative reason-giving	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 12	15. Soft-law	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 13	Practice problems for final exam	Seminar (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 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 sitting the final assessment. 

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer, and a link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4 

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 Administrative Law Readings will be placed on Canvas and hard copies will be available to purchase by ordering them from the University Copy Centre.

The prescribed text is

Leighton McDonald, Kristen Rundle and Emily Hammond, Principles of Administrative Law (Oxford University Press, 4th ed, 2023).

The prescribed text is available online through the library however please be aware that the licence held by the library only allows 9 people to access the text at any one time.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. identify and describe to an advanced level the fundamental underlying principles, concepts and practices of administrative law.
LO2. apply relevant legal research methodologies, which may include ethical and responsible use of AI tools, to respond critically and innovatively to administrative law questions.
LO3. critically analyse the political and legal structures governing administrative law in Australia.
LO4. apply knowledge of statutory review mechanisms, including merits review and ombudsman review, and the primary features of freedom of information legislation.
LO5. apply knowledge of the jurisdiction of courts, judicial review principles, and available remedies in administrative law, to respond critically and evaluatively to administrative law questions.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

The sequence of learning activities has been revised in light of student feedback on previous unit offerings.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

LAWS5010: Administrative Law

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect