Stage 2 Legal Studies

SACE CREDITS: 20 credits

KEY CONTACT: Chris Jones

RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND:
Stage 1 Legal Studies, Stage 1 Modern History or Stage 1 Ancient Studies

COURSE CONTENT:
Stage 2 Legal Studies exposes students to the core features of Australia’s legal and political systems and encourages them to think critically about how they could be improved to better achieve justice. There are three topics:

Sources of Law
This topic explores how laws are made by the different institutions of government, and whether our parliamentary democracy is effective at balancing the rights and interests of different groups within society.

Dispute Resolution
This topic focuses on how civil and criminal disputes are resolved in society and involves a deep consideration of the principles on which Australia’s court hierarchy and processes are based. Students examine various contemporary case studies through the media and also attend the Adelaide Law Courts to directly observe the justice system in action.

The Constitution
This topic covers the key features of Australia’s Constitution and explores how it allocates and restricts the powers of Government, as well as the extent, nature, and security of Australians’ rights. It involves consideration of key historical and contemporary High Court cases and informs students about the ‘big picture’ principles which govern the legal system.

Excursion: A visit to the Law Courts will enable students to learn how the legal system works and how everyone is treated equally under the law.

ASSESSMENT:
Assessment types
1. Folio
2. Inquiry
3. External: e-exam

SUBJECT COSTS: Nil