Legal Studies
Legal Studies focuses on enhancing students’ ability to recognize the diverse legal situations and issues that arise in their everyday lives. These situations and issues often have legal implications that affect the rights and obligations of themselves and other community members. Students will gain knowledge to understand legal frameworks that regulate and shape society.
Legal Studies enables students to formulate personal views of the world and understand how the law affects their world. Through critical analysis, examination and problem solving, they are empowered to make decisions that can benefit themselves and the community.
AREAS OF STUDY
- The Legal System
- Crime and Society
- Civil Wrongs
- Agreements
- Renting and Buying
- Family
- Independent Study – student’s own choice of topic
- Law in a changing society
LEARNING EXPERIENCES
These may include court visits, guest speakers, mock trials (role plays/games/simulations), case studies, research and debates.
PREREQUISITE
Literacy in Legal Studies demands skills in research, comprehension, analysis, synthesis and presentation of information and ideas. Therefore, it is recommended that students who have obtained a C or above outcome in junior English take this subject.
ASSESSMENT
Students are assessed in the following criteria:
- Knowledge and understanding of the legal system
- Investigation of legal issues encountered in society
- Evaluation of the social relevance of legal outcomes
- Communication and research skills
Assessment will include the preparation of research assignments, news files, case studies, oral presentations and non-written presentations. Written tests will be in the form of short answer tests and essays.
Queensland Certificate of Education - 4 points
