Legal Studies

About the subject

Students are provided with an understanding of the structures of the Australian legal system and how that system responds and contributes to social change while acknowledging tradition.

The study of Legal Studies provides insight into law-making and the processes of dispute resolution and the administration of justice. Students investigate legal perspectives on contemporary issues in society. They reflect on, and make informed judgments about, strengths and weaknesses of the Australian legal system. Students consider how, and to what degree, these weaknesses may be remedied.

In this subject students examine the Australian legal system. They read and write about, and discuss, analyse, and debate issues. They use a variety of methods to investigate legal issues, including observing the law in action in courts and through various media. A 10-credit subject consists of: Topic 1: Law and Society and a minimum of two other topics. Topics include:

• 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
• Alternative topics can also be developed.

Assessment

Assessment at Stage 1 is school-based. Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types:

• Folio
• Issues Study
• Presentation