Government exercises a great deal of power in modern society.
Law influences the exercise of governmental power in many ways.
It is the source of much power exercised by government, and it imposes limits on the way power is exercised by officials. This unit focuses on the relationship of law and power. It commences with a discussion of the nature of administrative organisations, how law empowers and defines administrative organisations and processes, and how it may limit the exercise of power. The focus then switches to the notion of accountability and control of those who exercise power, including a consideration of the importance of access to government information and the reasons for official decisions. Attention is paid to informal and formal methods of reviewing the exercise of power by officials and those given power by the state, including the role and function of ombudsmen, administrative tribunals and the courts.