The Advantages of Interdisciplinary Research, The Example of FOI

Alexandra Darcey

1994 (Tas) 3 PPL

The author proposes that an interdisciplinary approach (namely the combination of a legal and sociological perspective) be used in the area of administrative law research and writings. The specific subject of FOI implementation is reviewed under this interdisciplinary approach through the development of a sociological systematic model. The model was used to identify which areas were not covered by traditional literature on FOI, why such areas should be covered and comparisons drawn between traditional forms of legal writing in the field of FOI and the type of writings that could be generated by an interdisciplinary approach. In conclusion it is suggested that traditional methods of legal writing on FOI fail in a number of areas, and while it is recognised that such an interdisciplinary goal may not be appropriate for every piece of writing, it is recommended that a cross disciplinary approach not be excluded by future writers.