Number of Units: 2
Exclusions: None
Method of Delivery: St Luke’s
External Assessment: Exam
Contribution to ATAR: Yes
Course Description
The Legal studies course introduces students to the foundations of law, the criminal justice system, and issues in international law and human rights. Students explore the role of law in society, including how laws are made, applied, and changed over time. The course develops an understanding of how the legal system operates in practice, while building critical skills in analysis, reasoning, and evaluation. Students learn to make informed judgements about the effectiveness of the law in achieving justice for individuals, groups, and society as a whole.
Why study this course
Legal Studies is designed to foster intellectual, social and moral development by empowering students to think critically on the role of law and legal institutions in society. This is achieved through a review of selected legal rules, institutions and processes at the domestic and international level, a demystification of terminology and a focus on change, effectiveness, dispute resolution and justice. Legal Studies has a significant impact on students’ confidence in approaching and accessing the legal system and provides them with a better appreciation and understanding of the relationship between social and legal structures in society. The subject offers excellent preparation for life skills through an understanding of the legal system, its principles, structures, institutions and processes. Legal Studies further fosters a respect for cultural diversity and promotes tolerance. It allows students to question and evaluate the legal and democratic institutional structures within the domestic and international environment and to undertake a comparative analysis of other political and institutional structures.
Topics
Preliminary Course
Investigating the Law
Disputes under the Law
Changing the Law
Experiences with the Law
HSC Course
The Criminal Justice System (Core)
International Relations and Human Rights (Core)
Options - Students must study TWO options from:
Consumer law
Family law
Housing law
Peace, conflict and the law
Workplace law
Post School Options
If you are interested in the following careers: policy writing, researcher, paralegal, consumer advocate, police officer or teacher then this course will enable you to acquire skills that could be utilized in these positions.