Foreword, Preface and Chapter One of The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia: History, Principle and Interpretation

Abstract

This book examines the body of Australian constitutional jurisprudence. Its aim is to be original and rigorous yet accessible. It begins by exploring the historical and intellectual context of ideas surrounding the Constitution’s inception, and closely examines its text, structure, principles and purposes in that light. The book then unpacks and critically analyses the High Court’s interpretation of the Constitution in a manner that follows the Constitution’s own logic and method of organisation. Each topic is defined through detailed reference to the existing case law, which is set out historically to facilitate an appreciation of the progressive development of constitutional doctrine since the Constitution came into force in 1901.

Keywords: Australian constitution, constitutional law