The book "Judicial Review of Administrative Action and Government Liability" by Mark Aronson, Matthew Groves, and Greg Weeks is a comprehensive treatise on the law of judicial review of administrative action. Here is a detailed overview of the book, including key themes, plot summary, and critical reception:

Key Themes

1. Judicial Review: The book focuses on the principles and practices of judicial review, which is the process by which courts review the decisions of administrative bodies to ensure they are lawful and reasonable.
2. Administrative Law: It covers a wide range of topics in administrative law, including the validity of privative clauses, the reach of judicial review, procedural fairness, and jurisdictional facts.
3. Government Liability: The book also explores the liability of the government in administrative actions, including the grounds for challenging administrative decisions and the remedies available to those affected.

Plot Summary

The book is not a narrative but a legal treatise. It provides in-depth analysis and commentary on the legal principles governing judicial review of administrative actions. The text is structured to cover various aspects of administrative law, including:

• Historical Context: It discusses the evolution of judicial review in Australia.
• Legal Principles: It delves into the core legal principles such as procedural fairness, natural justice, and the grounds for judicial review.
• Case Law: The book extensively references case law from the High Court of Australia, providing insights into how these principles are applied in practice.
• New Developments: It addresses recent developments in administrative law, such as the impact of decisions like Minister for Immigration and Citizenship v SZMDS (2010) and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship v Li (2013) on judicial review.

Critical Reception

The book has received significant acclaim within the legal community for its comprehensive and authoritative coverage of administrative law.

• High Court Cite: The book is often cited with authority in judgments of the High Court of Australia, reflecting its high regard among legal scholars and practitioners.
• Reviewer's Praise: Justice Kirby of the High Court of Australia has praised Mark Aronson's work, stating that his opinions are "provocative, stimulating, insulting, upsetting, and insightful".
• Book Reviews: The book has been reviewed positively by legal scholars, with Matt Garozzo noting its cutting-edge analysis of new developments in judicial review.

Editions

The book has been published in several editions:

• 7th Edition: The latest edition, published in 2021, is available in softcover and eBook formats.
• 5th Edition: The fifth edition, published in 2014, is also highly regarded for its comprehensive coverage of administrative law.

In summary, "Judicial Review of Administrative Action and Government Liability" by Mark Aronson, Matthew Groves, and Greg Weeks is a seminal work in the field of administrative law, providing a detailed and authoritative analysis of judicial review and government liability. Its critical reception reflects its importance and influence in the legal community.