Length: Semester

Recommended background: None (however, as this is a literacy-rich subject, English and/or History grades could be used as an indicator of suitability)

Content:

This course is built on the core topic Law and Communities which focuses on why laws exist, how they are made and the rights and responsibilities of Australian citizens, as well two additional topics including but not limited to: government, law-making, justice and society, young people and the law, sport and the law, women and the law, family law, emerging legal issues, victims of the law and crime and punishment.

Legal Studies is explored through the mechanism of asking ‘big questions’. Big questions are typically open ended, stimulate deep and conceptual thinking, and involve the consideration of a range of perspectives. Big questions encourage debate and active learning. In providing a response to the questions, students must evaluate, analyse and apply contextually appropriate legal principles, processes, evidence, and cases.

Through Legal Studies, students develop an appreciation and awareness of their role as a citizen in the Australian legal system, the skills to communicate their ideas, and the confidence to make informed and effective decisions regarding legal issues. They participate in a mock trial to help develop this.

There is an exam (weighted 20%) to prepare students for the exam at Stage 2.

Leads to: Stage 2 Legal Studies

Assessment:

Students’ performance will be determined according to the subject’s Performance Standards, as outlined by the SACE Board. Grades A to E will be used for reporting purposes.

• Analytical Response (20%) – One task; a critical essay that uses case studies to illustrate responses to a question on a different topic (e.g. sport and the law)
• Inquiry (40%) – One task; a report that focuses on the topic of Law and Communities
• Presentation (30%) – One task; a collaborative task involving mock trial participation and reflection