Cover of Australian Administrative Law

Australian Administrative Law

Fundamentals, Principles and Doctrines

By: Matthew Groves, H. P. Lee

Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 2007-08-28
Language: Unknown
Format: BOOK
Pages: 524
ISBN: 9780521697903

About This Book

The growth of administrative law in Australia has continued in an unabated form since the introduction of innovative reforms in the mid-seventies. The centre plank of these reforms was the establishment of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal with follow-on reforms relating to the Ombudsman, judicial review and freedom of information legislation. The impact of these reforms has been vast and significant. This 2007 book seeks to take stock of the growth and development of administrative law principles. Particular attention is paid to the important cases and key doctrines which provide the theoretical underpinnings of these principles. In this book a team of highly respected administrative law scholars and jurists aim to provide a lucid exposition of the relevant case law, principles and doctrines. The book should illuminate the fundamental features of Australian administrative law and should prove useful to students and practitioners interested in this field.

AI Overview

The book "Australian Administrative Law: Fundamentals, Principles and Doctrines" by Matthew Groves and H. P. Lee is a comprehensive treatise on the subject of administrative law in Australia. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

  1. Growth and Development of Administrative Law:

    • The book explores the evolution of administrative law in Australia, particularly focusing on the reforms introduced in the mid-1970s. These reforms include the establishment of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and changes related to the Ombudsman, judicial review, and freedom of information legislation.
  2. Principles and Doctrines:

    • The authors delve into the fundamental principles and doctrines that underpin Australian administrative law. This includes a detailed examination of key cases and their impact on the development of administrative law.
  3. Constitutional Aspects and Human Rights:

    • The book highlights the increasing importance of constitutional aspects in Australian administrative law. It also discusses the evolving impact of human rights considerations on the subject.
  4. Scholarly and Practical Approach:

    • The book aims to provide both a lucid exposition of the principles of administrative law and a scholarly exploration of the doctrines and theories underlying the subject. This dual approach makes it both practical and doctrinal, offering insightful commentaries and clear expositions of the law.

Plot Summary

The book is structured with 23 chapters, each authored by experts in the field of Australian public law. The chapters cover the full spectrum of administrative law, including topics such as:

  • The role of the AAT and other tribunals
  • Judicial review and its limitations
  • Freedom of information legislation
  • Ombudsman's role in administrative governance
  • Human rights considerations in administrative decision-making

Each chapter provides an in-depth analysis of the relevant case law, principles, and doctrines, making the book a valuable resource for both students and practitioners of administrative law.

Critical Reception

The book has received positive reviews for its analytical depth, breadth of expertise among contributors, and its capacity to offer both an overview and scholarly analysis of Australian administrative law. Critics have noted that while the book excels in its substantive contributions, it lacks a concluding chapter that draws thematic links and observations from each of the chapters.

In summary, "Australian Administrative Law: Fundamentals, Principles and Doctrines" by Matthew Groves and H. P. Lee is a seminal work in the field, providing a comprehensive and scholarly exploration of the principles and doctrines of Australian administrative law. Its detailed analysis, coupled with its practical approach, makes it an essential text for anyone interested in this subject.