Ashfield Boys High School LEGAL STUDIES 2 UNIT PRELIMINARY COURSE 2015 COURSE OUTLINE AND ASSESSMENT GUIDE Name:
Ashfield Boys High School Human Society and Its Environment Year 11 Legal Studies 2015 Course Outline and Assessment Guide This booklet provides details of: The program of assessment tasks for Legal Studies 2015 Preliminary Legal Studies syllabus and outcomes from the BOS Glossary of key words from the New HSC Candidates should refer to the separate Preliminary Course Assessment Booklet for more details of the whole school assessment requirements and the rules regarding assessments. Your Legal Studies teacher will issue you with assessment task cover sheets, which will outline detailed information about each assessment task. You should expect this information to be distributed at least two weeks prior to the due date. Candidates are advised to record details of this information in their diaries to facilitate the planning of their homework, study and assignment and assignment research. Candidates are also advised to keep copies of assessment tasks and the marks in a special section in their folders. Students using computers for assessment tasks must submit a hard copy for marking but are advised to keep a copy on their hard drive. PRELIMINARY COURSE Topic Completion Dates The Legal System Term 1 Week 10 The Individual and the State Term 2 Week 10 Law in Practice Term 3 Week 10
ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES School Assessment Policy All students should thoroughly familiarise themselves with the ABHS Preliminary Assessment Policy that accompanies the Assessment Booklet issued to all students. The school s policy statement completely fulfils Board of Studies requirements for the Preliminary Certificate. The Assessment Policy rules will be strictly enforced. School HSC Assessment Policy Clarification A few provisions of the Assessment Policy statement cause students particular difficulties. Some clarifications follow: Documentation must be available to substantiate a valid explanation for absence/late submission of an Assessment Task. It should be presented on the day you return to school to your teacher or Head Teacher. If the reason given is illness, a medical certificate is essential. In the case of late submission of a Task: - if the task was to be completed at home, it must be submitted on the day you return to school - if the task was to be completed at school, you must be prepared to sit for the task on the day you return to school. Suitable documentation must be provided in each case. Computer/printer malfunction is not an acceptable reason for late submission of a task. You should always keep a back up copy of your disk and hard copies of the draft copies of your task and write it out long hand if necessary. You must attend all lessons on the day a task is due. Student Contract I have read and fully understand the rules regarding the Preliminary Assessment System for the 2 Unit Legal Studies Preliminary Course Name:. Signature: Teachers Signature: Parents Signature:..
A GLOSSARY OF KEY WORDS FROM NEW HSC SYLLABUS Syllabus outcomes, objectives, performance bands and examination questions have key words that state what students are expected to be able to do. A glossary of key words has been developed to help provide a common language and consistent meaning in the Higher School Certificate documents. Using the glossary will help teachers and students understand what is expected in responses to examinations and assessment tasks. Account Analyse Apply Appreciate Assess Calculate Clarify Classify Compare Construct Contrast Critically (analyse/evaluate) Deduce Define Demonstrate Describe Discuss Distinguish Evaluate Examine Explain Extract Extrapolate Identify Interpret Investigate Justify Outline Predict Propose Recall Recommend Recount Summarise Synthesise Account for: state reasons for, report on. Give an account of: narrate a series of events or transactions Identify components and the relationship between them; draw out and relate implications Use, utilise, employ in a particular situation Make a judgement about the value of Make a judgment of value, quality, outcomes, results or size Ascertain/determine from given facts, figures or information Make clear or plain Arrange or include in classes/categories Show how things are similar or different Make; build; put together items or arguments Show how things are different or opposite Add a degree or level of accuracy depth, knowledge and understanding, logic, questioning, reflection and quality to (analysis/evaluation) Draw conclusions State meaning and identify essential qualities Show by example Provide characteristics and features Identify issues and provide points for and/or against Recognise or note/indicate as being distinct or different from; to note differences between Make a judgement based on criteria; determine the value of Inquire into Relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things evident; provide why and/or how Choose relevant and/or appropriate details Infer from what is known Recognise and name Draw meaning from Plan, inquire into and draw conclusions about Support an argument or conclusion Sketch in general terms; indicate the main features of Suggest what may happen based on available information Put forward (eg. a point of view, idea, argument, suggestion) for consideration or action Present remembered ideas, facts or experiences Provide reasons in favour Retell a series of events Express, concisely, the relevant details Putting together various elements to make a whole
Objectives and outcomes Objectives Preliminary course outcomes HSC course outcomes A student develops knowledge and understanding about: 1. the nature and institutions of domestic and international law 2. the operation of Australian and international legal systems and the significance of the rule of law 3. the interrelationship between law, justice and society and the changing nature of the law. A student: P1. identifies and applies legal concepts and terminology P2. describes the key features of Australian and international law P3. describes the operation of domestic and international legal systems P4. discusses the effectiveness of the legal system in addressing issues P5. describes the role of law in encouraging cooperation and resolving conflict, as well as initiating and responding to change A student: H1. identifies and applies legal concepts and terminology H2. describes and explains key features of and the relationship between Australian and international law H3. analyses the operation of domestic and international legal systems H4. evaluates the effectiveness of the legal system in addressing issues H5. explains the role of law in encouraging cooperation and resolving conflict, as well as initiating and responding to change A student develops skills in: 4. investigating, analysing and communicating relevant legal information and issues. P6. explains the nature of the interrelationship between the legal system and society P7. evaluates the effectiveness of the law in achieving justice P8. locates, selects and organises legal information from a variety of sources including legislation, cases, media, international instruments and documents P9. communicates legal information using wellstructured responses P10. accounts for differing perspectives and interpretations of legal information and issues H6. assesses the nature of the interrelationship between the legal system and society H7. evaluates the effectiveness of the law in achieving justice H8. locates, selects, organises, synthesises and analyses legal information from a variety of sources including legislation, cases, media, international instruments and documents H9. communicates legal information using well-structured and logical arguments H10. analyses differing perspectives and interpretations of legal information and issues. Outcomes are applicable to all topics. Some may be more relevant to a particular topic than others. Outcomes may be examined.
The structure of Legal Studies Preliminary HSC Core Part I: The legal system Core Part I: Crime Basic legal concepts The nature of crime Core 40% Sources of contemporary Australian law Classification of law Law reform Law reform in action The criminal investigation process The criminal trial process Sentencing and punishment Young offenders International crime Core 30% Core Part II: The individual and the law Core Part II: Human rights Core 30% Your rights and responsibilities Resolving disputes The nature and development of human rights Promoting and enforcing human rights Core 20% Contemporary issue: the individual and technology Contemporary issue Core Part III: Law in practice Part III: Options Core 30% The Law in practice unit is designed to provide opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of the principles of law covered in the first sections of the course. This section may be integrated with Part I and/or Part II. Choose Two Consumers Global environmental protection Family Indigenous peoples Option 25% each Shelter Workplace World order Please note: Outcomes are applicable to all topics. Some may be more relevant to a particular topic than others. Outcomes may be examined. The principal focus for each topic may be examined. Each topic s themes and challenges should be integrated into the study of the topic, and they may be examined.
Content: Preliminary course Part I: The legal system 40% of course time Principal focus: Students develop an understanding of the nature and functions of law through the examination of the law-making processes and institutions. Themes and challenges to be incorporated throughout this topic: the need for law in the operation of society the importance of the rule of law for society the relationship between different legal institutions and jurisdictions the development of law as a reflection of society influences on the Australian legal system. Students learn about: Students learn to: 1. Basic legal concepts meaning of law customs, rules and law values and ethics characteristics of just laws nature of justice: equality fairness access procedural fairness (principles of natural justice) rule of law anarchy tyranny define law distinguish between customs, rules, laws, values and ethics describe the characteristics of just laws and the nature of justice define and investigate procedural fairness and the rule of law define anarchy and tyranny 2. Sources of contemporary Australian law common law British origins, including: development of common law equity, precedent adversarial system of trial court hierarchy: jurisdiction of state and federal courts outline the origin of common law examine the hierarchy and jurisdiction of state and federal courts statute law role and structure of parliament legislative process delegated legislation outline the role and structure of parliament and the legislative process describe the function of delegated legislation
the constitution division of powers separation of powers role of the High Court Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples customary laws diverse nature of customary laws spiritual basis, significance of land and water family and kinship ritual and oral traditions mediation and sanctions relevance to contemporary Australian law international law differences between domestic and international law state sovereignty sources, including: international customary law instruments (declarations and treaties) legal decisions, writings role of: United Nations courts and tribunals intergovernmental organisations non-government organisations relevance to contemporary Australian law explain the difference between division and separation of powers examine the role of the High Court in the interpretation of the constitution examine the characteristics of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples customary laws outline the extent to which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples customary laws have been integrated into Australian law distinguish between domestic and international law and examine the impact of state sovereignty examine the sources of international law describe the role of the various organisations involved in international law examine how international law impacts on and is incorporated into Australian law 3. Classification of law public law criminal law administrative law constitutional law outline different types of law compare the purpose of different types of law private law (civil law) contract law tort law property law criminal and civil court procedures including legal personnel common and civil law systems It is strongly recommended that if possible students should have the opportunity to observe the operation of one or more courts or tribunals in civil and criminal cases. distinguish between civil and criminal court procedures identify the role of legal personnel involved in the court process compare and contrast common and civil law systems
4. Law reform conditions that give rise to law reform including: changing social values, new concepts of justice, new technology agencies of reform including law reform commissions, parliamentary committees, the media, non-government organisations mechanisms of reform including courts, parliaments, United Nations intergovernmental organizations examine the conditions that give rise to law reform describe the role of agencies involved in law reform examine the operation of the different mechanisms of reform 5. Law reform in action Two examples of law reform must be studied. Law reform in relation to native title is mandatory. Another example may be taken from list B or may be a topic of the student s choice. A) native title terra nullius the roles of the High Court and federal parliament major native title decisions legislation explain why terra nullius was an obstacle to achieving native title examine the roles of the High Court and federal parliament in recognising native title examine major Australian native title decisions assess the effectiveness of the law reform process in achieving just outcomes in regard to native title B) a contemporary law reform issue (examples of topics that may be studied): young drivers and the law sport and the law animal welfare drug use and the law. identify and investigate a contemporary law reform issue examine the conditions that give rise to the need for law reform, the agencies of reform and mechanisms of reform assess the effectiveness of law reform in achieving just outcomes with regard to a contemporary law reform issue.
Part II: The individual and the law 30% of course time Principal focus: Students investigate the way in which the law impacts on individuals by referring to legal and non-legal institutions, laws and media reports. Themes and challenges to be incorporated throughout this topic: relationship between justice, law and society relationship between rights and responsibilities balancing the rights of individuals with the needs of the state role of the law in regulating technology effectiveness of legal mechanisms for achieving justice for individuals and society. Students learn about: Students learn to: 1. Your rights and responsibilities the nature of individual rights relationship between rights and responsibilities identify the types of rights to which individuals are entitled outline the responsibilities of citizens within a society explain the interrelationship between rights and responsibilities 2. Resolving disputes the roles of the federal and state police and other law enforcement agencies outline the roles of law enforcement agencies resolving disputes between individuals: alternative dispute resolution tribunals courts resolving disputes with the state: non-legal methods: - media - members of parliament - trade unions - interest groups, including nongovernment organisations legal methods: - internal review - external review: administrative, judicial, ombudsman, statutory bodies including Australian Human Rights Commission, Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC), Royal Commissions identify and examine methods of resolving disputes between individuals compare and contrast disputes between individuals and those between individuals and the state assess the effectiveness of methods of resolving disputes distinguish between non-legal and legal methods of enforcing rights and resolving disputes assess the effectiveness of dispute resolution processes in achieving justice for and between individuals
3. Contemporary issue: The individual and technology impacts of technology on the individual legal implications difficulties with enforcing rights future directions the role of law reform Examples that may be studied could include: misuse of interactive technologies cyber-bullying genetic profiling cyberspace privacy issues security and surveillance mobile phones copyright. explain the difficulties with enforcing rights assess the role of law reform in addressing emerging technological issues and enforcing rights discuss the legal implications of the use of technology and its impact on the individual. 5.1 Objectives and outcomes Objectives Preliminary course outcomes HSC course outcomes A student develops knowledge and understanding about: 1. the nature and institutions of domestic and international law 2. the operation of Australian and international legal systems and the significance of the rule of law 3. the interrelationship between law, justice and society and the changing nature of the law. A student: P1. identifies and applies legal concepts and terminology P2. describes the key features of Australian and international law P3. describes the operation of domestic and international legal systems P4. discusses the effectiveness of the legal system in addressing issues P5. describes the role of law in encouraging cooperation and resolving conflict, as well as initiating and responding to change A student: H1. identifies and applies legal concepts and terminology H2. describes and explains key features of and the relationship between Australian and international law H3. analyses the operation of domestic and international legal systems H4. evaluates the effectiveness of the legal system in addressing issues H5. explains the role of law in encouraging cooperation and resolving conflict, as well as initiating and responding to change P6. explains the nature of the interrelationship between the legal system and society H6. assesses the nature of the interrelationship between the legal system and society
A student develops skills in: 4. investigating, analysing and communicating relevant legal information and issues. P7. evaluates the effectiveness of the law in achieving justice P8. locates, selects and organises legal information from a variety of sources including legislation, cases, media, international instruments and documents P9. communicates legal information using wellstructured responses P10. accounts for differing perspectives and interpretations of legal information and issues H7. evaluates the effectiveness of the law in achieving justice H8. locates, selects, organises, synthesises and analyses legal information from a variety of sources including legislation, cases, media, international instruments and documents H9. communicates legal information using well-structured and logical arguments H10. analyses differing perspectives and interpretations of legal information and issues. Outcomes are applicable to all topics. Some may be more relevant to a particular topic than others. Outcomes may be examined.
6 The structure of Legal Studies Preliminary HSC Core Part I: The legal system Core Part I: Crime Basic legal concepts The nature of crime Core 40% Sources of contemporary Australian law Classification of law Law reform Law reform in action The criminal investigation process The criminal trial process Sentencing and punishment Young offenders International crime Core 30% Core Part II: The individual and the law Core Part II: Human rights Core 30% Your rights and responsibilities Resolving disputes The nature and development of human rights Promoting and enforcing human rights Core 20% Contemporary issue: the individual and technology Contemporary issue Core Part III: Law in practice Part III: Options Core 30% The Law in practice unit is designed to provide opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of the principles of law covered in the first sections of the course. This section may be integrated with Part I and/or Part II. Choose Two Consumers Global environmental protection Family Indigenous peoples Option 25% each Shelter Workplace World order Please note: Outcomes are applicable to all topics. Some may be more relevant to a particular topic than others. Outcomes may be examined. The principal focus for each topic may be examined. Each topic s themes and challenges should be integrated into the study of the topic, and they may be examined.
7 Content: Preliminary course Part I: The legal system 40% of course time Principal focus: Students develop an understanding of the nature and functions of law through the examination of the law-making processes and institutions. Themes and challenges to be incorporated throughout this topic: the need for law in the operation of society the importance of the rule of law for society the relationship between different legal institutions and jurisdictions the development of law as a reflection of society influences on the Australian legal system. Students learn about: Students learn to: 1. Basic legal concepts meaning of law customs, rules and law values and ethics characteristics of just laws nature of justice: equality fairness access procedural fairness (principles of natural justice) rule of law anarchy tyranny define law distinguish between customs, rules, laws, values and ethics describe the characteristics of just laws and the nature of justice define and investigate procedural fairness and the rule of law define anarchy and tyranny 2. Sources of contemporary Australian law common law British origins, including: development of common law equity, precedent adversarial system of trial court hierarchy: jurisdiction of state and federal courts outline the origin of common law examine the hierarchy and jurisdiction of state and federal courts statute law role and structure of parliament legislative process delegated legislation outline the role and structure of parliament and the legislative process describe the function of delegated legislation Legal Studies Preliminary Course 2012
the constitution division of powers separation of powers role of the High Court Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples customary laws diverse nature of customary laws spiritual basis, significance of land and water family and kinship ritual and oral traditions mediation and sanctions relevance to contemporary Australian law international law differences between domestic and international law state sovereignty sources, including: international customary law instruments (declarations and treaties) legal decisions, writings role of: United Nations courts and tribunals intergovernmental organisations non-government organisations relevance to contemporary Australian law explain the difference between division and separation of powers examine the role of the High Court in the interpretation of the constitution examine the characteristics of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples customary laws outline the extent to which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples customary laws have been integrated into Australian law distinguish between domestic and international law and examine the impact of state sovereignty examine the sources of international law describe the role of the various organisations involved in international law examine how international law impacts on and is incorporated into Australian law 3. Classification of law public law criminal law administrative law constitutional law outline different types of law compare the purpose of different types of law private law (civil law) contract law tort law property law criminal and civil court procedures including legal personnel common and civil law systems It is strongly recommended that if possible students should have the opportunity to observe the operation of one or more courts or tribunals in civil and criminal cases. distinguish between civil and criminal court procedures identify the role of legal personnel involved in the court process compare and contrast common and civil law systems Legal Studies Preliminary Course 2012
4. Law reform conditions that give rise to law reform including: changing social values, new concepts of justice, new technology agencies of reform including law reform commissions, parliamentary committees, the media, non-government organisations mechanisms of reform including courts, parliaments, United Nations intergovernmental organizations examine the conditions that give rise to law reform describe the role of agencies involved in law reform examine the operation of the different mechanisms of reform 5. Law reform in action Two examples of law reform must be studied. Law reform in relation to native title is mandatory. Another example may be taken from list B or may be a topic of the student s choice. A) native title terra nullius the roles of the High Court and federal parliament major native title decisions legislation explain why terra nullius was an obstacle to achieving native title examine the roles of the High Court and federal parliament in recognising native title examine major Australian native title decisions assess the effectiveness of the law reform process in achieving just outcomes in regard to native title B) a contemporary law reform issue (examples of topics that may be studied): young drivers and the law sport and the law animal welfare drug use and the law. identify and investigate a contemporary law reform issue examine the conditions that give rise to the need for law reform, the agencies of reform and mechanisms of reform assess the effectiveness of law reform in achieving just outcomes with regard to a contemporary law reform issue. Legal Studies Preliminary Course 2012
Part II: The individual and the law 30% of course time Principal focus: Students investigate the way in which the law impacts on individuals by referring to legal and non-legal institutions, laws and media reports. Themes and challenges to be incorporated throughout this topic: relationship between justice, law and society relationship between rights and responsibilities balancing the rights of individuals with the needs of the state role of the law in regulating technology effectiveness of legal mechanisms for achieving justice for individuals and society. Students learn about: Students learn to: 1. Your rights and responsibilities the nature of individual rights relationship between rights and responsibilities identify the types of rights to which individuals are entitled outline the responsibilities of citizens within a society explain the interrelationship between rights and responsibilities 2. Resolving disputes the roles of the federal and state police and other law enforcement agencies outline the roles of law enforcement agencies resolving disputes between individuals: alternative dispute resolution tribunals courts resolving disputes with the state: non-legal methods: - media - members of parliament - trade unions - interest groups, including nongovernment organisations legal methods: - internal review - external review: administrative, judicial, ombudsman, statutory bodies including Australian Human Rights Commission, Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC), Royal Commissions identify and examine methods of resolving disputes between individuals compare and contrast disputes between individuals and those between individuals and the state assess the effectiveness of methods of resolving disputes distinguish between non-legal and legal methods of enforcing rights and resolving disputes assess the effectiveness of dispute resolution processes in achieving justice for and between individuals Legal Studies Preliminary Course 2012
3. Contemporary issue: The individual and technology impacts of technology on the individual legal implications difficulties with enforcing rights future directions the role of law reform Examples that may be studied could include: misuse of interactive technologies cyber-bullying genetic profiling cyberspace privacy issues security and surveillance mobile phones copyright. explain the difficulties with enforcing rights assess the role of law reform in addressing emerging technological issues and enforcing rights discuss the legal implications of the use of technology and its impact on the individual. Legal Studies Preliminary Course 2012
Part III: Law in practice 30% of course time Principal focus: students investigate contemporary issues that illustrate how the law operates in practice. Themes and challenges to be incorporated throughout this topic: the relationship between justice, law and society the development and reform of law as a reflection of society the importance of the rule of law the responsiveness of the legal system in dealing with issues the effectiveness of legal and non-legal mechanisms in achieving justice for individuals and society. The Law in practice unit can be integrated with Part I and/or Part II of the Preliminary course, or treated as a separate unit. The Law in Practice unit is designed to provide opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of the principles of law covered in Part I and Part II of the Preliminary course. Students will develop the research, analytical and communication skills that underpin the process of investigation. At least TWO contemporary issues should be studied. Students should synthesise information from a range of sources, including cases, legislation, the media and international instruments, to support a legal argument. Topics should extend particular areas of individual or group interests. Legal Studies Preliminary Course 2012
Students learn about: Students learn to: Issues that involve an Australian in a domestic jurisdiction, or Australian citizen(s) in another jurisdiction, focusing on the mechanisms for achieving justice and the responsiveness of the legal system when attempts are made to achieve justice. Topics that may be studied include: groups or individuals suffering disadvantage: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples people who have a mental illness or an intellectual or physical disability migrants people who are socioeconomically disadvantaged members of other groups covered by human rights legislation, including antidiscrimination legislation women events which highlight legal issues individuals or groups in conflict with the state criminal or civil cases that raise issues of interest to students. examine at least two contemporary issues that involve Australian citizen(s) in either a domestic or another jurisdiction describe the legal and non-legal responses to this issue evaluate the effectiveness of the legal and non-legal responses to this issue. Criteria to evaluate effectiveness could include: resource efficiency accessibility enforceability responsiveness protection of individual rights meeting society s needs application of the rule of law has justice been achieved? Legal Studies Preliminary Course 2012
Part III: Law in practice 30% of course time Principal focus: students investigate contemporary issues that illustrate how the law operates in practice. Themes and challenges to be incorporated throughout this topic: the relationship between justice, law and society the development and reform of law as a reflection of society the importance of the rule of law the responsiveness of the legal system in dealing with issues the effectiveness of legal and non-legal mechanisms in achieving justice for individuals and society. The Law in practice unit can be integrated with Part I and/or Part II of the Preliminary course, or treated as a separate unit. The Law in Practice unit is designed to provide opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of the principles of law covered in Part I and Part II of the Preliminary course. Students will develop the research, analytical and communication skills that underpin the process of investigation. At least TWO contemporary issues should be studied. Students should synthesise information from a range of sources, including cases, legislation, the media and international instruments, to support a legal argument. Topics should extend particular areas of individual or group interests. Students learn about: Students learn to: Issues that involve an Australian in a domestic jurisdiction, or Australian citizen(s) in another jurisdiction, focusing on the mechanisms for achieving justice and the responsiveness of the legal system when attempts are made to achieve justice. Topics that may be studied include: groups or individuals suffering disadvantage: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples people who have a mental illness or an intellectual or physical disability migrants people who are socioeconomically disadvantaged members of other groups covered by human rights legislation, including antidiscrimination legislation women events which highlight legal issues individuals or groups in conflict with the state criminal or civil cases that raise issues of interest to students. examine at least two contemporary issues that involve Australian citizen(s) in either a domestic or another jurisdiction describe the legal and non-legal responses to this issue evaluate the effectiveness of the legal and non-legal responses to this issue. Criteria to evaluate effectiveness could include: resource efficiency accessibility enforceability responsiveness protection of individual rights meeting society s needs application of the rule of law has justice been achieved? Legal Studies Preliminary Course 2012
Ashfield Boys High School LEGAL STUDIES PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT 2015 Component Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Task 4 Weighting The Legal System: Annotated media file Individual and the Law: Research and Written Presentation Law in Practice: Research based in class essay Yearly Examination % Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 3 Knowledge and understanding of course content Week 7 Week 4 Week 5 Week 9 Outcomes Outcomes Outcomes Outcomes P1,P2,P3,P4, P1,P4,P6,P8, P2,P4,P5,P6, P1,P2,P3,P4,P5, P6,P8 P9 P8,P9,P10 P6,P7,P9,P10 5 15 10 30 60 Research 5 5 10 20 Communication 5 5 10 20 Marks 15 25 30 30 100 Legal Studies Preliminary Course 2012