LEVEL: Stage 2
SACE Credits: 20 credits
LENGTH: Full Year
Recommended background: Satisfactory completion of Stage 1 Legal Studies
Content:
Legal Studies in 2021- (new syllabus) covers three main focus areas: Sources of Law, Dispute Resolution, When Rights Collide. These topics provide students with the opportunity to explore Australia’s constitutional heritage and the dynamic nature of the Australian legal system within a global context. They will be provided with an understanding of the principles and structures of this system so that they can make informed judgments about its strengths and weaknesses. They will focus on broad, big questions of the law and on specific inquiry topics. They will need to understand the competing tensions of opposing ideals that are at work in the Australian legal system. They may be able to participate in excursions to key legal/ political sites in Adelaide that will enhance their learning and understanding.
Assessment:
Students’ performance will be determined according to the subject’s Performance Standards, as outlined by the SACE Board. Grades A+ to E- will be used for reporting purposes. Students understanding and skills will be assessed in a variety of tasks that may include:
- Four folio tasks (50%) that explore the functions of law, federation, legislation, indigenous rights, case law, court hierarchy, criminal and civil law, ADR, the law-making process / case study into a high profile legal issue / concept / case.
- One individual Inquiry (20%) into a contemporary legal issue of student interest which can be presented in a variety of formats.
- External examination (30%) that tests students knowledge, understanding and skills.
Requirements
Students will need to purchase a work booklet (Court and Tort) that supports course content.