Pre VCE Legal Studies

Semester long

Purpose

In Pre VCE Legal Studies, students will discover how laws are made, interpreted and challenged while developing the skills to think critically, argue persuasively and solve real-world problems. This student prepares students to undertake the VCE Legal Studies sequence of Unit 1&2. This subject explores the Australian legal system, the courts, Parliament, democracy and Australia's place in the global community through engaging, hands-on activities including debates, mock trials, negotiations and simulations. Students will build confidence in teamwork and analytical thinking while investigating contemporary legal issues and learning how individuals can influence change in society. 

Units of Work

How a Bill becomes a Law: 

Students will review the law-making process and debate the proposal of a new Bill, as they experience the journey for an idea to change the law and turning it into legislation in Australia.

Your Day in Court:

Students in this unit investigate the operation of courts and tribunals in Victoria and learn about the role of key personnel such as the judge, jury, lawyers and the parties. Students will then step into the courtroom and experience the justice system in action then take on the role of lawyers and put their advocacy skills to the test by arguing a criminal case in a realistic mock trial. 

Influencing Change:

Students learn about the ways that individuals can influence changes in the law and participate in democracy. Students will look at the role of the media in influencing change, before becoming advocates themselves by campaigning for an issue they care about and writing to their local Member of Parliament.

Australian and Global Politics:

Students will also evaluate various factors that sustain democratic societies and critically compare them to other political structures. Students will learn about the influence of the media in politics, investigate a human rights issue, learn about how elections and voting work and look at methods that individuals can use to influence political change. 

Learning Tasks: Mock Parliamentary Debate, Writing a Letter to an MP, Running your own election campaign 

International Law:

Australia’s law doesn't stop at Australia's borders. Students will explore Australia's place in the global community, investigate international relationships and agreements, and compare Australia's legal system with another country to discover how different nations tackle legal challenges.

Intellectual property & Mediation: 

Ever wondered who owns an idea? Students will investigate the world of intellectual property, from inventions and music to brands and creative works. They will then take on the role of mediators, negotiating real-world disputes and working collaboratively to reach fair solutions without going to court.