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2021 unit offering information will be available in September 2020

Unit description

Examines the rules and principles of statutory interpretation, including: the purposive approach to construction, parliamentary intention and interpretive techniques, the use of intrinsic and extrinsic materials, the traditional common law approaches and statutory presumptions such as non-interference with fundamental rights. Also considers the special rules relating to the interpretation of other instruments such as the Australian Constitution, codes and delegated legislation.

Unit content

Topic 1: Introduction to Statutory Interpretation
Topic 2: Creation of Legislation
Topic 3: Interpretation Legislation
Topic 4: Context and Purpose
Topic 5: Intention and Interpretive Techniques
Topic 6: Intrinsic Materials
Topic 7: Extrinsic Materials
Topic 8: Traditional Common Law Approaches
Topic 9: Statutory Presumptions
Topic 10: Fundamental and Human Rights and International Law
Topic 11: Interpreting Specific Instruments

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1identify the rules and principles relating to statutory interpretation in AustraliaIntellectual rigour
2apply the relevant legal rules and principles to the resolution of hypothetical scenarios relating to statutory interpretationKnowledge of a discipline
3demonstrate a high level of skill in the reading and interpretation of statutes and other instrumentsIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
4analyse and explain the reasoning behind a particular interpretation of a statuteIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
5demonstrate an ability to explain the relevant legal rules and principles in clear and logical language.Communication and social skills

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. identify the rules and principles relating to statutory interpretation in Australia
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
  2. apply the relevant legal rules and principles to the resolution of hypothetical scenarios relating to statutory interpretation
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  3. demonstrate a high level of skill in the reading and interpretation of statutes and other instruments
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  4. analyse and explain the reasoning behind a particular interpretation of a statute
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  5. demonstrate an ability to explain the relevant legal rules and principles in clear and logical language.
    • GA6: Communication and social skills

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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