Legal Studies 2 unit

Course Description

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

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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: Investigating the law (an introduction to the Legal System in Australia and abroad) CORE PART II: Disputes under the Law (what happens when individuals have disputes with each other and the government – also includes introduction to Criminal Law) CORE PART III: Changing the Law – The recognition of land rights in NSW and native title for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Gun Law Reform) CORE PART IV: Experiences with the Law – The Experiences of young people and Indigenous People with the Law

CORE PART I: Criminal Law CORE PART II: International Relations and Human Rights Option 1: Peace, Conflict and the Law Option 2: Family Law

Assessment – HSC Course Only

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT	INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
One three-hour examination. It consists of: Section I – Core (15 marks) There will be objective-response questions to the value of 15 marks.   Section II – Core (35 marks) Questions may contain parts. There will be 5 or 6 items. One of these items will be worth 15 marks on the criminal justice system.   Section III – Options (50 marks) There will be one extended-response question for each of the five options. Each question will be worth 25 marks and will have two alternatives. Students will be required to answer one alternative on each of the two options they have studied.	Students complete a number of assessments including objective response questions and extended response questions.
100	100