Federal Constitutional Law

Title: Federal Constitutional Law: A Contemporary View

Authors: Sarah Louise Joseph and Melissa Castan

Editions: The book has been published in multiple editions, with the most recent being the Sixth Edition.

Key Themes

1. Contemporary Developments: The book examines the latest developments and likely future directions of constitutional law in Australia.
2. Federal Constitutional Law: It delves into various aspects of federal constitutional law, including the characterization of Commonwealth laws, the corporations power, the external affairs power, and the separation of judicial power.
3. Implied Rights and Freedoms: The authors discuss implied political rights and freedoms, as well as express rights.
4. Government Powers: The book covers government powers under a federal constitutional framework, including grants and appropriations powers, and freedom of interstate trade, commerce, and intercourse.

Plot Summary

The book provides a comprehensive analysis of Australian federal constitutional law. It starts with an introduction to the subject and then delves into specific areas such as the characterization of Commonwealth laws, the corporations power, and the external affairs power. The authors also explore the role of the Commonwealth executive, the separation of judicial power, and the principles of inconsistency and intergovernmental immunities. Additionally, it discusses excise duties, spending government revenue, and express rights. The book concludes with a discussion on general themes in federal constitutional law and includes an appendix with the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book's reputation can be inferred from its publication history and the fact that it is widely used in academic circles. The book has been published in multiple editions, indicating its relevance and importance in the field of constitutional law. The authors, Sarah Joseph and Melissa Castan, are recognized experts in their field, which further supports the book's credibility.

Editions and Publication Details

• Sixth Edition: Published by Thomson Reuters (Professional) Australia, this edition is the most recent and includes 680 pages.
• Fourth Edition: Published in 2014, this edition includes 626 pages and is also published by Thomson Reuters.

Availability

The book is available in both print and digital formats. The print versions include options for single books and bundles with eBooks, while the digital versions are available through platforms like VitalSource.