Learning Requirements
The learning requirements summarise the knowledge, skills, and understanding that students are expected to develop and demonstrate through their learning in Stage 1 Legal Studies.
In this subject, students are expected to:
1. display knowledge and understanding of the legal rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups in Australian society
2. know and understand the values inherent in the Australian legal system
3. display knowledge and understanding of different sources of law in the Australian legal system
4. recognise ways in which the Australian legal system responds to diverse groups in the community
5. evaluate the nature and operation of aspects of the Australian legal system
6. develop inquiry skills through accessing and using information on aspects of the legal system
7. communicate informed observations and opinions on contemporary legal issues and debates, using legal terminology and appropriate acknowledgment of sources.
Content
Legal Studies is a 10-credit subject or a 20-credit subject at Stage 1. It consists of the following topics:
- Topic 1: Law and Society
- Topic 2: People, Structures, and Processes
- Topic 3: Law-making
- Topic 4: Justice and Society
- Topic 5: Young People and the Law
- Topic 6: Victims and the Law
- Topic 7: Motorists and the Law
- Topic 8: Young Workers and the Law
- Topic 9: Relationships and the Law.
Students complete a study of Topic 1 followed by a study of topics selected from either those listed above or alternative topics developed by teachers in collaboration with students.
When preparing a program of study, teachers should be aware that topics need not be of equal length and may be integrated. Alternative topics could include:
- Media and the Law
- Sport and the Law
- Entertainment and the Law
- Technology and the Law
- Animals and the Law
- Women and the Law
- Indigenous Peoples and the Law
- Environment and the Law
- Refugees and Asylum Seekers and the Law
- Minority Groups and the Law.
Students bring to this subject a diversity of backgrounds, expectations, skills, and knowledge. The teacher should take this into account when designing a program of work.
A 10-credit subject consists of:
- Topic 1: Law and Society
- a minimum of two other topics.
A 20-credit subject consists of:
- Topic 1: Law and Society
- five other topics.
A study of a second and separate 10-credit subject does not require a repeat study of Topic 1 and should consist of a minimum of three topics not already studied.
In a class containing students studying a first semester of the subject as well as students studying a second semester of the subject, there need not be a formal coverage of Topic 1. However, reference must be made to aspects of Topic 1.
In Stage 1 Legal Studies, students examine the Australian legal system. They read and write about, and discuss, analyse, and debate issues. Students use a variety of methods to investigate legal issues, such as observing the law in action in courts and through various media.
- Teacher: Eric Braun