By: Peter John Hanks
An exploration of the major themes and issues of the law relating to the structure and function of government in Australia. Uses formal constitutional documents, legislation, judicial decisions, political practice and academic commentary. This second edition has been substantially enlarged to accommodate five years of significant judicial decisions. For legal practitioners and students. Includes a table of contents, table of cases, table of statutes, a bibliography and an index. The author is a member of the Victorian and NSW Bars.
"Constitutional Law in Australia" by Peter John Hanks is a comprehensive textbook that explores the major themes and issues related to the structure and function of government in Australia, covering both institutional and federal aspects. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
The book begins with a necessary introduction to foundational concepts of Australian constitutional law. It then proceeds to cover various chapters on the different aspects of each of the three pillars of power. The chapters are structured to provide in-depth analysis, rather than just case law extracts, making it a valuable reference for students and practitioners alike.
The book has received positive reviews for its comprehensive coverage and analytical depth. A review of "Hanks Australian Constitutional Law" praises the book for its impressively detailed coverage of express and implied constitutional freedoms. The reviewer notes that the book is nicely struck, unlike some other books in the genre that are light on analysis and heavy on case law extracts.
The book has been published in multiple editions. The third edition, published in 2012 by LexisNexis Butterworths, is a 668-page comprehensive guide to constitutional law in Australia.
For those seeking additional resources, "Constitutional Law in Australia" is often recommended alongside other texts like "Hanks' Australian Constitutional Law: Materials and Commentary" by Jennifer Clarke, Patrick Keyzer, and James Stellios, which provides materials and commentary for deeper understanding.
Overall, "Constitutional Law in Australia" by Peter John Hanks is a seminal work that provides a thorough understanding of the Australian constitutional system, making it an essential resource for students, legal practitioners, and scholars of constitutional law.