We mean business! – know your rights!
About:
The legal processes and the interaction between law and society are important to Australians as a developed society. Legal studies enables students to appreciate the relevance of law to themselves and their community. The subject enhances students' abilities to contribute in an informed and considered way to legal challenges and change.
At Aldridge:
Legal Studies is an ATAR subject offered in years 10, 11 and 12. Over the three years, students develop an understanding of the Australian legal system, criminal and civil law processes, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens, both in Australia and globally. Students can enter Legal Studies in year 11 and achieve success, without having completed year 10 Legal Studies or any junior Business subjects.
Why study Legal Studies?
The law impacts all aspects of our everyday lives. The knowledge gained in Legal Studies prepares students to have confidence in accessing the legal system and knowing their rights and responsibilities in the 21st century. It empowers students to form and express opinions on human rights issues. Students examine and justify viewpoints involved in legal issues, and cultivate respect for diversity. The subject satisfies interest and curiosity as students question, explore and discuss tensions between changing social values, justice and equitable outcomes.
Facilities, Equipment and Software:
To enhance student learning, legal studies students may have the opportunity to visit the local Maryborough Courthouse or the Brisbane Magistrates Court. Students will access government websites to explore and research court proceedings pertaining to their topic of inquiry. Guest speakers including legal officers, police officers and our local parliamentary members are often used to share their knowledge and real-life experiences.
Pathways:
Legal studies opens a door to further education and employment in the fields of law, law enforcement, criminology, justice studies, social work, government, corrective services, business, education, economics and politics. There are also further study opportunities at training organisations to complete diplomas and advanced diplomas in Justice and Business. Specific careers that relate to legal studies include: articled clerk, legal practitioner, legal officer, social worker, police officer, corrective services officer, legal secretary, corporate lawyer, youth worker and teacher.
Units of study:
Years 10 and 11
| Time | Name | Description |
| 15 weeks | Unit 1: Beyond Reasonable Doubt
| Topic 1: Legal foundations Topic 2: Criminal investigation process
Topic 3: Criminal trial process Topic 4: Punishment and sentencing |
| 15 weeks | Unit 2: Balance of Probabilities | Topic 1: Civil law foundations Topic 2: Negligence and the duty of care Topic 3: Contractual obligations |
Year 12
| Time | Name | Description |
| 18 weeks | Unit 3: Law, Governance and Change
| Topic 1: Governance Topic 2: Law reform within a dynamic society |
| 23 weeks | Unit 4: Human Rights in Global and National Contexts | Topic 1: Australian human rights in global contexts Topic 2: Human rights in Australian contexts |