Course content
This course will explore the impact (and relevance) of the concept of sovereignty in different public law contexts. We will begin by examining some of the main classic works on sovereignty (e.g. Bodin, Hobbes, Rousseau, Locke), and then move to discuss specific topics (e.g. judicial review of legislation, recent challenges to parliamentary sovereignty, indigenous sovereignty, constituent power, emergencies). An important part of class discussions will be devoted to examining the significance of the concept of sovereignty in contemporary New Zealand, but the course will also have an international and comparative component.
Course learning objectives
Students who pass this course should be able to:
Identify the basic elements of classical conceptions of sovereignty and appreciate the ways in which those conceptions impact contemporary debates.
Critically examine the arguments in favour and against the orthodox conception of parliamentary sovereignty.
Distinguish between popular and parliamentary sovereignty, and critically examine different attempts to implement the former.
Analyse the relationship between sovereignty and emergency powers, and critically examine contemporary emergency legislation.
Appreciate the challenges posed to orthodox conceptions of sovereignty by indigenous demands and international developments (including globalization, the development of the principle of the responsibility to protect, and the need to protect future generations).
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Class representative
The class representative provides a useful way to communicate feedback to the teaching staff during the course. They also work with the VUWSA Education Office on any academic issues that arise in their course. Reps are elected by students by the third week of classes every trimester. Being a rep requires a weekly commitment.
The Use of Te Reo Māori for Assessment Policy
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington values te reo Māori. Students who wish to submit any of their assessments in te reo Māori must refer to The Use of Te Reo Māori for Assessment Policy - PDF 134kb
He mea nui te reo Māori ki Te Herenga Waka. Ki te pīrangi koe ki te tuhituhi i ō aro matawai i roto i te reo Māori, tēnā me mātua whakapā atu ki te kaupapa here, The Use of Te Reo Māori for Assessment Policy - PDF 134kb
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