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VCE Legal Studies

Subject Overview

VCE Legal Studies examines the institutions and principles which are essential to Australia’s legal system. Students develop an understanding of the rule of law, law-makers, key legal institutions, rights protection in Australia, and the justice system.

Unit 1 & 2

In Unit 1 & 2 you will:

  • Learn about legal foundations
  • Develop an understanding of key criminal justice concepts
  • Describe the institutions involved in a civil dispute
  • Apply legal reasoning
  • Examine law in relation to Human Rights
  • Apply legal principles to actual cases

Unit 3 & 4

In Unit 3 & 4 you will:

  • Discuss the means used to determine a criminal case
  • Analyse the factors to consider when initiating a civil claim
  • Discuss institutions and methods used to resolve a civil dispute
  • Discuss the significance of High Court cases on interpreting the Australian Constitution
  • Evaluate the ways the Australian Constitution acts as a check on parliament law making
  • Discuss factors that affect parliamentary law and the ability of parliament to make law

Types of Assessment

  • Folio of exercises
  • Structured questions
  • Report

Class Activities

  • Essay writing
  • Tests
  • Quizzes
  • Reports

Careers that may link to this subject area