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Multi-level Government (LAWS90180)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2024
Overview
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This subject will be delivered online in 2020 over the scheduled dates.
In the 21st century there are multiple levels of government, usually with a degree of constitutional protection, in many states across the world; and the numbers are increasing. The forms vary from federations to provincial or regional government to provision for special, usually asymmetrical autonomy. Multi-level government raises a range of conceptual and practical issues that this subject is designed to explore. In all its forms, it involves a departure to some degree from the assumptions and practices of unitary systems. The subject examines these from the perspectives of both design and operation, analysing the similarities and differences between the forms that multi-level government takes. In doing so, it canvasses topics that include democratic representation, the structure and operation of the public sector, the distribution of fiscal resources, the management of natural resources, judicial interpretation and constitutional change.
The two instructors in the subject, Michael Crommelin and Cheryl Saunders, have a wealth of knowledge in the field that is brought together in this innovative subject.
Principal topics will include:
- Forms of multi-level government
- Unitary states compared
- Constitutional frameworks
- Institutional design in multi-level democracies
- Distribution of fiscal resources
- Management of natural resources
- Administration in multi-level government
- Intergovernmental relations
- Judicial interpretation
- Multi-level government and the international legal order
Intended learning outcomes
A student who has successfully completed this subject will:
- Understand the various forms of multi-level government presently in use and the reasons for them.
- Have a sophisticated understanding of the differences between multi-level government and simple unitary systems and the issues to which these give rise.
- Be able to engage constructively in consideration of constitutional design for multi-level government
- Understand and be able to assist to resolve the challenges of designing and operating institutions in systems of multi-level government
- Have a rich understanding of a series of key issues for multi-level government, including the distribution of fiscal resources, natural resource management, intergovernmental relations, judicial interpretation and the impact of international relations and be able actively contribute to resolve issues that arise.
- Be able to apply comparative method at an advanced level to identify relevant similarities and differences between systems of multi-level government and to draw appropriate conclusions.
Generic skills
Generic skills that will be developed through successful completion of this subject include:
- A capacity to identify, understand and evaluate major new developments in public law
- The ability to think conceptually and analytically about the relationship between institutions in public law
- An appreciation of how principle and practice change over time and the ability to analyse how and why
- Advanced research skills in understanding and explaining institutional arrangements in sufficient detail to be reliable for the purposes of sustaining an argument
- An ability to think creatively about problems and solutions for institutional arrangements in public law
- Skills in the application of comparative method.
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
This subject is highly relevant for Australian or international students with interests in the challenges of organising the state through systems of multi-level government, whether in their own countries or in states elsewhere.
Applicants without legal qualifications should note that subjects are offered in the discipline of law at an advanced graduate level. While every effort will be made to meet the needs of students trained in other fields, concessions will not be made in the general level of instruction or assessment. Most subjects assume the knowledge usually acquired in a degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent). Applicants should note that admission to some subjects in the Melbourne Law Masters will be dependent upon the individual applicant’s educational background and professional experience.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Opiton 1: Take-home exam
| 2 - 5 October | 100% |
Option 2: Research paper on a topic approved by the subject coordinator(s).
| 4 November | 100% |
Attendance Hurdle requirement: A minimum of 75% attendance. Note: the attendance hurdle does not apply when the subject is delivered online. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
Not available in 2024
Additional delivery details
This subject has a quota of 30 students.
Enrolment is on a first come, first served basis. Waitlists are maintained for subjects that are fully subscribed.
Students should note priority of places in subjects will be given as follows:
- To currently enrolled Graduate Diploma and Masters students with a satisfactory record in their degree
- To other students enrolling on a single subject basis, eg Community Access Program (CAP) students, cross-institutional study and cross-faculty study.
Please refer to the Melbourne Law Masters website for further information about the management of subject quotas and waitlists.
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Specialist materials will be made available via the LMS in the pre-teaching period.
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
If required, please contact law-admissions@unimelb.edu.au for subject coordinator approval.
Last updated: 10 November 2023