Legal Studies

Legal Studies examines the ways in which the law, the legal system and the parliamentary system function in Australia to provide a safe, cohesive, democratic and just society for individuals and communities. Legal Studies provides the knowledge all members of society need to function in contemporary Australia: How do we elect our governments? How and by whom are our laws made? Who watches over our system to ensure democracy and justice? Are the systems working, or do we need reforms? How can we participate?

Year 10 Government & Justice

This curriculum develops students’ knowledge of political and legal institutions and explores the nature of citizenship in a democracy.

A focus on contemporary issues, such as debates over changes in law and Australian government responses to international events, provides a means of developing students’ thinking and critical capacities. These issues provide ways that citizens can actively participate, question and improve democracy.

Students will develop general skills and capabilities such as an appreciation of diverse perspectives, empathy, collaboration, negotiation, self-awareness and intercultural understanding.

Unit 1 & 2 Legal Studies

Unit 1 is all about Guilt and Liability, Criminal Law and Civil Law, maintaining social order and protecting individual rights. What makes a law effective? Do laws reflect values? How do parliament and courts make laws? Why are there so many courts? How are human rights protected in Australia? What happens when rights are breached?

Unit 2 focuses on sanctions, remedies and rights; punishments, compensation and liberties. What is the role of the police in our society? What types of punishments can offenders receive? What is the purpose of punishment? Where can we go to enforce our rights? What kind of compensation is available? Do we need a Bill of Rights? How are people's rights protected in other countries?

Unit 3 & 4 Legal Studies

Unit 3 concentrates on the achievement of Fairness, Equality and Accessin the Victorian justice system. This includes: rights of both victims and accused; the role of the judge; the role of VCAT and CAV in resolving disputes; mediation or conciliation as alternatives to going to court; the problems of cost and delay in the justice system, and reforms required for improvement.

Unit 4 completes Legal Studies with the topics of the Australian Constitution, Parliaments, Courts and participation by the people. Study is made of the structure of our parliamentary system and the role of our constitution; political pressures and the role of media and individuals on law-making; judicial activism and precedent in court made law; an evaluation parliament and courts response to law reform.

For further information please refer to page 46 Year 10 & page 86 (VCE) of the St. Joseph's College Senior School Subject Information Handbook.

Useful Links

VCE Legal Studies Study Design: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/vce/legalstudies/LegalSD_2018.pdf

10 jobs you can do with a law degree: https://www.lawsociety.com.au/resources/resources/career-hub/10-jobs-you-can-do-law-degree

Job Choices in the Legal field: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/legal-career-opportunities-2164281

Lifetime Benefits of studying law: https://lawnewsroom.deakin.edu.au/articles/lifetime-benefits-of-studying-law

Parliamentary office of Australia: https://peo.gov.au/

Defining democracy: Museum of Australian Democracy: https://www.moadoph.gov.au/democracy/defining-democracy/

The Supreme Court of Victoria: https://www.supremecourt.vic.gov.au/

The High Court of Australia : https://www.hcourt.gov.au/

Parliament of Australia: https://www.aph.gov.au/

Parliament of Victoria: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/

Court Services Victoria: https://www.courts.vic.gov.au/

Australian Constitution Centre: https://www.australianconstitutioncentre.org.au/about-us.html

Victoria Police: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/

Resources

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