Legal Studies A/T
Legal Studies explores the law, and its institutions and processes, in a social, economic and political context allowing students to investigate, question, and evaluate their personal view of the world and society’s collective future. Students develop their knowledge and understanding about how legal systems impact on the lives of citizens, seek to balance the rights and responsibilities of individuals, the community, and governments, in an effort to achieve justice and equality for all. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of laws, institutions and processes, and consider opportunities for reform.
Legal Studies provides students with the opportunity to develop their skills in research, analysis and evaluation of information. Through the use of logical and coherent arguments, students will explore the implications and consequences of decisions made by individuals, organisations and governments. Students will communicate their insights in a range of modes and mediums. It is designed for students contemplating the law as a career. This subject is equally appropriate as a preparation for further studies in Economics, Business, Accounting, History, Sociology and Global Studies.
Course Patterns - This course is non-sequential and there are no prerequisites or compulsory units. All units can be studied at T or A level. Minor (minimum of 2 semesters) or major (minimum of 3.5 semesters) courses may be completed in Legal Studies.
Units
In Unit 1, students study the complexity and limitations of the criminal justice system in achieving justice. Through the use of a range of contemporary examples, students investigate criminal law, processes and institutions and the tension between community interests and individual rights and freedoms.
The electives covered in this unit include:
- The Criminal Justice and Political System
- Sentencing, incarceration, prisons and detention
- Criminology
- Justice and Vulnerable People
In Unit 2, students study the rights and responsibilities that exist between individuals, groups and organisations and the resolution of civil disputes through courts and other mechanisms. Through the use of a range of contemporary examples, students investigate civil law, processes and institutions, and develop an appreciation of the role of civil law in society.
The electives covered in this unit include:
- The Civil, Legal and Political System
- Entertainment and the law
- Employment, business and the law
- Property law
- Civil wrongs
- Family and the law
In Unit 3, students study the significance of legal rights and responsibilities in everyday life from different political, economic and social perspectives. Through the use of a range of contemporary examples, students investigate how the law attempts to balance the rights and responsibilities of the individual with the best interests of the wider community.
The electives covered in this unit include:
- The Australian Legal and Political System
- Politics and the Law
- Consumers and the Law
- Birth, Life and Death
- Rights and Freedoms
- Young People and the Law
In Unit 4, students study the significance of Australia’s international legal and political responsibilities from different political, economic and social perspectives. Through the use of a range of contemporary examples, students investigate how the law attempts to balance the rights of individual states with their responsibilities in the wider global community.
The electives covered in this unit include:
- The International relationship between Australia and the World
- International crime, conflicts and terrorism
- Displaced Persons and the Law
- Environmental Law
- Sea, Sky and Space
In Unit 5,students study a Negotiated Unit.