Drouin Secondary College - Course Selection
12 VCE LEGAL STUDIES (12HLE1)
| Home | General Information | Curriculum Overview | Pathways |
The Course
In Unit 3, students examine the methods and institutions in the justice system and consider their appropriateness in determining criminal cases and resolving civil disputes. Students consider the Magistrates’ Court, County Court and Supreme Court within the Victorian court hierarchy, as well as other Victorian legal institutions and bodies available to assist with cases.
In Unit 4, students explore how the Australian Constitution establishes the law-making powers of the Commonwealth and state parliaments, and protects the Australian people through structures that act as a check on parliament in law-making. Students develop an understanding of the significance of the High Court in protecting and interpreting the Australian Constitution. They investigate parliament and the courts, and the relationship between the two in law-making, and consider the roles of the individual, the media and law reform bodies in influencing law reform.
Unit 3 Topics
- The Victorian criminal justice system
- The Victorian civil justice system
Unit 4 Topics
- The people and the Australian Constitution
- The people, the parliament and the courts
Learning and Assessment Activities
- Structured questions
- An essay
- Folio of exercises
- Case study
- A report in multimedia format
- A written report
These units lead to
An education in law teaches powerful critical thinking and reasoning skills that enhance intellectual capabilities in all areas of a person's life. Students studying law also develop presentation skills through mock trials, clinics and classroom discussion. Knowledge of the law also means becoming familiar with law-specific language and being able to interpret it for others. An education in law is useful for careers in government, human resources and other areas. Studying legal studies can lead to pursuing a career as a law clerk, solicitor, barrister, judge, etc.
Special considerations
It is advisable to undertake Units 1 and 2 prior to studying Units 3 and 4, but this is not strictly needed.
Costs involved
There is an excursion to the Supreme and County Courts in Melbourne costing approximately $30 each year. When available every second year students also visit Barwon Prison in Geelong. Textbooks are approximately $100
Materials required
Textbook, Legal notes book, and stationary.
For further information see...
Miss Burton