Legal Studies is designed to foster intellectual, social and moral development by
empowering students to think critically on the role of law and legal institutions in
society. This is achieved through a review of selected legal rules, institutions and
processes at the domestic and international level, a demystification of terminology
and a focus on change, effectiveness, dispute resolution and justice.
Topics
Year 11
|
Part I - The Legal System
(40% of course time)
Topics:
1. Basic legal notions
2. Sources of law:
2.1 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
customary law
2.2 Contemporary Australian law
2.3 International law
3. The constitutional system in Australia
4. The operation of the legal system
Part II - The Individual and the State
(20% of course time)
Topics:
5. Power and authority
6. Legal controls on State power
7. Duties
8. Rights
Part III - The Law in Focus
(40% of course time)
1. Women
2. People of differing sexual identities
|
Year 12
|
Part I - Law and Society
(25% of course time)
Topics:
1. Law and justice
2. Human rights
Parts II and III - Focus Studies Framework
Study of the operation of the legal system
through the application of the following common
areas:
- Key legal concepts and features of the legal
system
- Legal issues and remedies
- Morality, ethics and commitment to the law
- Effectiveness of the law
- Law reform
Part II - Focus Study: Crime
(25% of course time)
Application of the focus studies framework to
Crime.
Part III - Additional Focus Studies
(50% of course time)
1. Family
2. World order
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Curriculum
The Legal Studies teaching programs at Erskine Park High School implement the NSW Board of Studies syllabus. This may be downloaded under the Syllabus Files heading.
Homework
Homework is a means of consolidation, extension or enrichment of the work that is studied in Legal Studies lessons. Homework is set regularly and is a compulsory part of a student's workload. Homework is followed up regularly, and students found to be neglecting to complete their homework will have a note sent home (N-award warning letter), informing their parents/carers of the situation, and encouraging completion of the work in question.
