Legal Studies 2 unit

History

Course Description

Preliminary Course [Board Developed] 2 units
HSC Course [Board Developed] 2 units

Legal Studies is a humanities subject that will give students the critical thinking and communication skills necessary to find employment in a number of fields including law, journalism and government. As such, in the course we spend significant time teaching students how to write and provide them with skills they can use in their other subjects. 

Students of Legal Studies will develop an understanding of legal concepts and the way the law functions in our society.  Being well informed about legal issues, including the rights and responsibilities integral to our society, is part of being an active and informed citizen. 

The Preliminary and HSC courses focus on the way in which law is created, how it is structured and how it operates in Australia and internationally. In this, students are required to consider whether laws are effective and whether they achieve justice.  

Students will develop an understanding of the implications that legal decisions can have for Australian society and the ways in which the legal system can affect the lives of Australian citizens. A critical understanding of the processes of reform and change will help students to contribute to making our society more equitable for all. 

Main Topics Covered:

The Structure of Legal Studies

PRELIMINARY COURSE (Y11) HSC COURSE (Y12)
  • CORE PART I: The Legal System (how the Australian and International Legal Systems functions)
  • CORE PART II: The individual and the law (what rights individuals have and how they can challenge other individuals and the government)
  • CORE PART III: Law in Practice (a study into the effectiveness of laws dealing with gun control and laws dealing with young people)
  • CORE PART I: Crime (a study into the NSW and International criminal justice system)
  • CORE PART II: Human Rights (how Human Rights are protected internationally and in Australia)
  • CORE PART III: World Order (international conflict and peace)
  • CORE PART III: Indigenous Peoples (the effectiveness of international and Australian laws dealing with Indigenous peoples globally)

 

Assessment – HSC Course Only

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
One three-hour examination. It consists of:

  • 20 Marks of multiple choice on crime
  • 15 Marks of short answer questions on Human Rights 
  • 15 Marks Crime Essay
  • 25 Marks Essay on World Order
  • 25 Marks Essay on Indigenous Peoples
 Students complete a number of assessments including a media file, research essay and trial examination.
100 100

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