In essence, Administrative Law is the law relating to the judicial control of public power. It is concerned with how the courts control and review the exercise of power by the various public and administrative bodies. There can thus be judicial review implications for any decision made in any area of public activity - eg taxation, commercial affairs, social welfare, local authority planning, education, etc. All lawyers therefore now need a sound knowledge of the law relating to judicial review, simply to ensure that their clients are receiving the quality of decision-making to which they are entitled by law. It includes a brief introduction to topics which may include personal insolvency, agency, banking, guarantees and insurance law, and the Fair Trading Act 1986.
Assessment is by midsessional and final examinations.
This course also considers fundamental principles of the law of partnership. This is a full course which provides an introduction to the principles of the law of evidence which are applied in civil and criminal cases in New Zealand courts. Although this area of the law is the subject of a number of important provisions, most of the key principles are still found in case law, of which there is a considerable body. The subject is of particular relevance to those who hope to practise in the courts. Students may elect to do a research project.