Year 11 Legal Studies Units 1 and 2
Overview
Legal Studies Units 1 and 2 is an ideal subject if you have an interest in the Australian legal system.
Units 1 and 2 will focus on:
- legal foundations
- the presumption of innocence
- civil liability
- sanctions
- remedies
- rights.
In Unit 1, you will develop an understanding of legal foundations. You will study key ideas of criminal law and civil law and then apply these to actual or hypothetical scenarios.
After that, Unit 2 looks at the enforcement of criminal law and civil law, including methods and outcomes. You will investigate two criminal cases and two civil cases and then apply what you have learnt to actual or hypothetical scenarios. You will then learn about rights and how they are protected in Australia and another country.
Who is it for?
Legal Studies Units 1 and 2 is for students who would like to gain an understanding of our legal system and how it operates. Students who enjoy learning through case scenarios will find subject engaging.
What do you do?
This is a fully online course and activities that students will be completing include:
- skill building
- note taking
- class forums
- quizzes
- self-assessments
- case studies
- extended responses.
What skills do you need?
Students need to have reading, comprehension and writing skills. The structure of this online course guides students through weekly work and activities. No prior experience in online learning is required.
What skills do you develop?
The 2018 – 2023 Study Design has a strong emphasis on application skills. Some of the core skills are:
- define key legal terms and understand how to use them appropriately
- describe, discuss, interpret and synthesise legal information
- develop skills in explanation and critical evaluation
- apply legal knowledge and principles to relevant cases and issues
- compare aspects of the legal system.
Requirements
Internet is needed to access this course. Weekly work will be completed and submitted online.
Things to think about
Students will benefit from having an understanding of:
- the role of the courts
- the difference between criminal and civil law
- what the Constitution is and how it protects rights
- current legal issues in the media
- what sanctions Australia can use.
Things you can do now
Become familiar with the 2018 – 2023 Study Design.
View the Legal Briefs video What is Law? which refers to legal processes and procedures. It’s a good starting point to reinforce any prior knowledge you may have on the legal system and begin to think about the principles of justice, equality and fairness.
Legal Briefs:
Go to the VCAA website for more information about this subject.
Things to have a look at
Victorian Law Foundation
The Victorian Law Foundation has collated an excellent bank of legal resources across Units 1-4. These include videos, downloadable PDFs and links to relevant websites.
Magistrates’ Court Website
Visit the Magistrates’ Court website. Here you can take a virtual tour and learn about the court’s jurisdiction and cases.