Legal Studies

LEGAL STUDIES

2 UNIT LEGAL STUDIES

Course Description

Through their study of the topics covered in the Stage 6 Legal Studies Course, students develop an understanding of the concepts, laws and legislation that combine to form the basis of the legal system which regulates and protects our society. In the Bible, God reveals himself as a God of justice. We act as agents of change by identifying and responding to injustice. Students completing this course are given the tools to become active and informed citizens via an increased appreciation for the implications of legal decisions on society and an understanding of the processes of reform and change.

Legal Studies students develop confidence in approaching and accessing the legal system and gain insights into its principles, structures, institutions, and processes. In addition, the course will assist in the development of students’ knowledge of their basic legal rights and responsibilities in a broad selection of contexts.

Throughout this course, students will also gain the skills of critical analysis, independent research, collaboration, and effective communication.

Topics Covered

Course

Preliminary

HSC

Topic

The Legal System

The Individual and the Law

Law in Practice

Crime

Human Rights

World Order

Family

Description

Students develop an understanding of the nature and functions of law through the examination of thelaw-making processes and institutions.

Students investigate the way in which the law impacts on individuals by referring to legal and non-legal institutions, laws and media reports.

Students investigate contemporary issues thatillustrate how the law operates in practice.

Students investigate criminal law, processes andinstitutions and the tension between communityinterests and individual rights and freedoms.

Students investigate the notion of human rights andassess the extent to which legal systems embody such human rights and promote them in practice.

Students investigate the effectiveness of legal and nonlegal measures in promoting peace and resolving conflict between nation states.

Students investigate the legal nature of family relationships and the effectiveness of the law inachieving justice.