Outline

Overview

The aim of the unit is to develop a critical perspective upon the accountability of government decision-makers. The unit examines theoretical frameworks for analysis of a range of issues concerning accountability, with reference to relevant principles of administrative law. Part 1 of the unit examines the concept of administrative discretion, alternative theories of the rule of law, human rights, ethics and managerialism. Part 2 of the unit is concerned with the accountability of the executive branch of government. It includes analysis of separation of powers and the doctrine of ministerial responsibility, merits review tribunals, investigative tribunals and tribunal procedure. Part 3 of the unit examines theories of participatory democracy, with reference to relevant legal principles drawn from procedural fairness, rules of standing and consultation requirements in rule making. Part 4 examines theories of open government, with reference to statutory duties to give reasons for decisions and freedom of information legislation. Part 5 examines the proper scope of administrative law by discussion of the issue of its extension to government business enterprises which are corporatised, privatised or contracted out. This is a core unit for students enrolled in the Master of Administrative Law and Policy. Refer to the Sydney Law School timetable - https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Undergraduate law degree or LAWS6252 (core unit for MALP students)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Margaret Allars, margaret.allars@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 4 April 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	(Optional) Synopsis of First Short Essay (0%) Written topic	0%	Week 06 Due date: 28 Apr 2025 at 17:00 Closing date: 28 Apr 2025	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	[Option 2] First short essay (50%) Written Essay	0%	Week 07 Due date: 05 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 12 May 2025	4000 words / 7 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	(Optional) Synopsis of Long Essay (0%) Written topic	0%	Week 09 Due date: 19 May 2025 at 17:00 Closing date: 26 May 2025	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	(Optional) Synopsis of Second Short Essay (0%) Written topic	0%	Week 09 Due date: 19 May 2025 at 17:00 Closing date: 26 May 2025	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	[Option 1] Long essay (100%) Written Essay	0%	Week 10 Due date: 26 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 02 Jun 2025	8000 words / 10 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	[Option 2] Second short essay (50%) Written Essay	0%	Week 10 Due date: 26 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 02 Jun 2025	4000 words / 10 weeks
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Students can choose to submit either one long essay or two short essays.

[Option 1] Long Essay (100%): If students choose to complete the 8000 words long essay, it will contribute 100% to the final grade. Footnote references are not included in this word count, except for additional text in a footnote, which is included. The bibliography also is not included in the word count. The topics will be made available on the canvas site by 14 March 2025 at 9:00am (Sydney, Australia time). The essay is due on 26 May 2025 at 11:59pm (Sydney, Australia time). Students who receive a grant of special consideration may receive an extension at the discretion of the Unit Coordinator.

[Option 2] First Short Essay (50%): If students choose to complete the 4000 words first short essay, it will contribute 50% to the final grade if the student chooses not to submit the long essay. Footnote references are not included in this word count, except for additional text in a footnote, which is included. The bibliography also is not included in the word count. The topics will be made available on the canvas site by 14 March 2025 at 9:00am (Sydney, Australia time). The essay is due on 5 May 2025 at 11:59pm (Sydney, Australia time). Students who receive a grant of Special Consideration may receive an extension at the discretion of the Unit Coordinator.

[Option 2] Second Short Essay (50%): If students choose to complete the 4000 words second short essay, it will contribute 50% to the final grade if the student chooses not to submit the long essay. Footnote references are not included in this word count, except for additional text in a footnote, which is included. The bibliography also is not included in the word count. The topics will be made available on the canvas site by 14 March 2025 at 9:00am (Sydney, Australia time). The essay is due on 26 May 2025 at 11:59pm (Sydney, Australia time). Students who receive a grant of special consideration may receive an extension at the discretion of the Unit Coordinator.

Optional Synopses (0%): Students can choose an essay topic from a list of topics for long and short essays. A student who seeks to address a topic other than one of the suggested topics is required to provide a title, a synopsis of 500 words and obtain approval of the topic. No marks are awarded for the synopsis. Guidance is provided in response by email. These arrangements are reflected in the following:

Optional Synopsis of Long Essay is due at 5:00pm (Sydney, Australia time) on 19 May 2025.

Optional Synopsis of First Short Essay is due at 5:00pm (Sydney, Australia time) on 28 April 2025.

Optional Synopsis of Second Short Essay is due at 5:00pm (Sydney, Australia time) on 19 May 2025.

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. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will exclude all footnotes and any bibliography (if required), and exclude acknowledgements of assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted).

Use of editors or proof-readers: The use of assistance in preparing and editing assessment tasks in this unit of study is strictly prohibited. Assistance includes human and automated writing tools (not including spell checking).

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 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 the due time specified in the assessment summary but before the same time the following day will attract a 10% penalty. Penalties for late submission will be applied strictly, subject to a 5 minute grace period.

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 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week -02	Nature of Administrative Discretion	Seminar (2 hr)
	Rule of Law	Seminar (3 hr)
	Separation of Powers and the Basis for Judicial Review	Seminar (2 hr)
	Statutory Interpretation, Principle of Legality and Human Rights	Seminar (2 hr)
	Corporatisation of Government Business Enterprises and Contracting Out	Seminar (2 hr)
	Freedom of Information	Seminar (2 hr)
	Disclosure of Reasons	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 03	Merits Review Tribunals	Seminar (2 hr)
	Investigative Tribunals	Seminar (3 hr)
	Citizenship and Participation	Seminar (1 hr)
	Common Law: Procedural Fairness	Seminar (1 hr)
	Common Law: Standing	Seminar (1 hr)
	Making Rules and Policy	Seminar (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for this unit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade being recorded as the student’s result for this unit (see The University of Sydney Law School Resolutions: Coursework Awards cl 11).

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. 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

All readings for this unit can be accessed via the Canvas site under 'Reading List'.

Administrative Law - Online Postgraduate Readings 2021 Vols 1, 2 and 3 (comprising extracts from texts and articles, legislation, and cases).

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. formulate and critically assess the principles and underlying values of administrative law using logical reasoning.
LO2. synthesise comprehensive knowledge of modern administrative law, including its evolution and current applications.
LO3. analyse and interpret administrative case law and legislation and describe their relationship with policy.
LO4. apply principles of administrative law in varied contexts, recognising the role of policy on legal outcomes.

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.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

LAWS6011: Administrative Law

Intensive March - April, 2025 [Block mode] - 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