SUBJECT INFORMATION BOOKLET Subject:
Legal Studies
Subject Type:
Elective
Year Level/s / Unit Length:
10 – One Semester Only
Why study this subject?
Legal Studies is about developing an understanding of the Australian legal system and how it affects your basic rights, obligations and responsibilities. Students will explore how to become an active and informed citizen and learn how to constructively question and contribute to the improvement of laws and legal processes. By examining factors that have led society to create a legal system, students will develop knowledge and understanding of the frameworks which regulate and shape our society.
What do students study?
The Year 10 curriculum develops student understanding of Australia’s system of government through comparison with another system of government in the Asian region. Students examine Australia’s roles and responsibilities within the international context, such as its involvement with the United Nations. Students also study the purpose and work of the High Court. They investigate the values and practices that enable a democratic society to be sustained. A framework for developing students’ legal knowledge, understanding and skills at this year level is provided by the following key questions: • How is Australia’s democracy defined and shaped by the global context? • How are government policies shaped by Australia’s international legal obligations? • What are the features of a resilient democracy?
Assessment Techniques •
Short response exam, Independent research task
Senior School Pathways Legal Studies
Units available for selection: Subject Code
LEGAL1
Unit Title
Examining how Australia’s political and legal systems enable change Government, Laws, Citizenship, Diversity and Identity
Semesters Available 1
2
Pre-requisites
26
