This course covers the general principles of constitutional laws and is concerned with the structure and basic concepts of a wide range of constitutions. The approach is comparative using examples from many countries around the world including an emphasis on constitutions of the countries of the Pacific Region. The topic covered include: The definition of a constitution, its purpose and characteristics, classifying the constitution, choices in constitution making; evolution of constitutional government; the rule of law; Human rights; Constitutionalism; Principle Institutions of government; Institutions and procedure of major constitutional government; doctrine of separation of powers; doctrine of sovereignty; delegated legislation and interpretation of Constitutional laws. The structure and basic concept of the PNG Constitution much of which were adopted from the Constitutional Planning Committee (CPC) reports and recommendations are also studied in this course. The hierarchy of laws, State policy and main features of the state in PNG; major institutions of government; Accountability of major institutions of government. Human rights and freedoms; States of emergency; Enforcement of the constitution; Amendment and review of the constitution; Judicial interpretation of the constitution and overview of the operation of the constitution.
Contact hours: 4 hours per week.