Preliminary legal Studies…

Course Information and Assessment

2020

PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT IN HSIE

The HSIE Faculty will follow the policy and procedures outlined in the AHS Assessment Policy and Procedures Booklet.

Please note in particular the following points;

• If you have a legitimate reason why you will be unable to achieve an assessment deadline, you may be eligible for special consideration on your task. You must notify your teacher and negotiate this well BEFORE the due date of your task. You may require supporting documentation.

• All tasks are generally required to be submitted in PAPER form, NOT electronically, unless your task specifically states otherwise. Be organised.

• Be aware that computer or electronic failure are NOT considered by NESA to be a valid reason for a late or non-completion of tasks. Always, always, always back up your work.

• Students are required to submit their tasks before the end of school day ON THE DUE DATE and it will therefore be enforced in HSIE that all tasks must be received by 2.50pm.

• Failure to submit tasks on or before the due date will result in a deduction of marks. 20% will be deducted for each day that the task is late. After 5 school days, students will receive a zero mark and be issued an academic warning letter. Students will still have to submit the task to clear the warning and to be able to complete the course.

Exceptions include the following;

• ILLNESS fully covered by DOCTORS CERTIFICATE. You must see your classroom teacher / Head Teacher HSIE before school the morning of your return and present your paperwork.

• MISADVENTURE covered by a MISADVENTURE FORM. See your classroom teacher / Head Teacher HSIE before school the morning of your return to school and present your paperwork.

Non-Serious Attempts and Malpractice.

• NESA requires that all student assessments submitted are a serious attempt of the task. Non-Serious Attempts attract an N-Award Warning Letter and you will be required to resubmit the task to ensure you meet NESA standards of ‘diligence’. Please be aware you must make a ‘reasonable attempt’ of all assessment tasks. Your teacher will specifically advise you of what constitutes a ‘reasonable attempt’.

• Malpractice is a serious matter and includes plagiarism and cheating. In HSIE, there is a significant research component across our subjects, and it is important to pay particular attention to plagiarism and accurate referencing. ANY infraction to NESA policy will result in a ZERO mark on the task, an N-Award Warning Letter and you will be required to resubmit the task. Be aware that further consequences can include Executive intervention, suspension and formal reporting. Please refresh and ensure you understand your obligations as outlined during the compulsory “All my Own Work” program or seek advice from your teacher if you are unsure of your obligations.

For further information on Ambarvale High School Assessment requirements, please refer to your HSC Assessment Booklet provided.

Faculty: HSIE Course: Legal Studies In this Subject, you will cover:-

Module Topic

CORE: The Legal System Students develop an understanding of the nature and functions of law through the examination of the law-making processes and institutions.

CORE: The Individual and the law Students investigate the way in which the law impacts on individuals by referring to legal and non-legal institutions, laws and media reports.

CORE: Law in Practice Students investigate contemporary issues that illustrate how the law operates in practice.

Components: A Knowledge and understanding of course content B Analysis and evaluation C Inquiry and research D Communication of Legal Studies information, issues and ideas in appropriate forms

Components Weighting

TASK 1 TASK 2 TASK 3 Term 1 – Week 8 Term 2 - Week 5 Term 3 – Week 9-10

Media File: Research/ Case

Study

Case Study: In Class Essay Yearly Examination

OUTCOMES P3, P4, P6, P8, P10

OUTCOMES P1, P2, P5, P9

OUTCOMES P1, P2, P4, P7, P9

A 40% 10% 10% 20%

B 20% 5% 5% 10%

C 20% 10% 10%

D 20% 5% 5% 10%

Total 100% 30% 30% 40%

Course Outcomes: 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 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 well-structured responses P10. accounts for differing perspectives and interpretations of legal information and issues

Notice of Assessment Task Preliminary Legal Studies

Date of initial notification: Term 1, Week 2

Date of submission: Term 1, Week 8 (Wednesday)

Task Number: 1 Weighting of task: 30%

Course component/Focus area/Topic/Module: The Legal System

Task Description: Media File and Research Report PART A – REPORT – 10 Marks “Our Constitution should reflect who we are and provide, as a supreme law, the framework in which we may aspire to prosperity as one” (Martin Hinton QC, Solicitor General) While change can make it necessary to modify our Constitution, reform is often highly controversial and complicated by a variety of factors and perspectives. One such area of contention is the call by indigenous and human rights groups to amend sections 25 and 51(xxvi) of our Constitution to remove discriminatory provisions and more accurately reflect our identity and acknowledge our First Australians. You are to write a report that discusses Constitutional Reform in Australia. Your report will –

1. Outline briefly the key features of the Australian Constitution 2. Discuss how effectively the Constitution can evolve to meet changing needs and shifting values -

Discuss both Referendum Processes and High Court Interpretation. (This section requires you to outline these processes AND be specific by identifying at least ONE proposal for change and the section of the Constitution to which the change related. You will need to incorporate case studies, media, documents and /or international instruments in this section to support your writing)

3. Evaluate the proposal to reform the Constitution to recognise ATSI peoples and remove discriminatory provisions. (To do this you will need to outline ss 25 and 51(xxvi) of the Australian Constitution, identify positive and negative aspects of these sections in their present form, consider a variety of perspectives and make a judgement on how effectively these sections represent the values of the Australian community. You will need to incorporate case studies, media, documents and /or international instruments in this section to support your writing)

PART B – MEDIA FILE (10 marks) You will need to source and submit the following

1. An accurately referenced summary of ONE media item that discusses a Constitutional change by Referendum (template to be provided) – relating to section 2 of your report.

2. A legal case summary of a case where interpretation of the Constitution was amended by the High Court of Australia (template to be provided) – relating to section 2 or your report.

3. Accurately referenced media summaries of TWO media items regarding proposed reform to ss 25 and 51(xxxvi) of the Constitution – relating to section 3 of your report

You will be marked based on the relevance, reliability and variety of your sources and your ability to concisely summarise the key points and understand the legal impacts.

Outcomes assessed: 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 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 P10.accounts for differing perspectives and interpretations of legal information and issues

Notes:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Marking Criteria – MEDIA FILE Band /Mark • Selects highly relevant MEDIA (3) and Legal Cases (1) from varied and reliable

sources that contain information pertinent to the topic of Constitutional reform in Australia.

• Provides a concise summary for each item that demonstrates comprehensive understanding of Constitutional issues in Australia and implications for the Australian Legal System.

• Applies appropriate referencing for each item.

8.5 - 10

• Selects relevant MEDIA (3) and Legal Cases (1) from reliable sources that address Constitutional reform in Australia.

• Provides a summary for each item that demonstrates a good understanding of Constitutional issues in Australia.

• Applies referencing for items article

6.5 - 8

• Selects MEDIA and Legal Cases that address Constitutional reform in Australia • Provides a summary of the items that demonstrates some understanding of

Constitutional issues in Australia • Applies referencing for items provided

4.5 - 6

• Selects MEDIA and /or a Legal Case that may address Constitutional issues. • Provides a basic summary or provided item/s that demonstrates a basic

understanding of the Constitution. • Attempts to reference provided items

2.5 - 4

• Limited number of articles or has limited relevance to Constitutional issues. • May provide a limited summary and demonstrates limited understanding of

Constitutional issues or may neglect to provide summary. • Limited or no referencing of articles

1 - 2

MARK /10

Marking Criteria - REPORT Band /Mark • Demonstrates an outstanding understanding of the Australian Constitution and its

key provisions for change and reform. • Selects and effectively incorporates a variety of highly relevant media, legal

cases, international instruments and documents, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the legal issues presented.

• Thoroughly considers and evaluates the presented proposal for Constitutional reform, recognising the complexity of different perspectives regarding the proposed reform.

• Critically evaluates contemporary legal issues based on principles of justice, equality, fairness, access, natural justice and the rule of law and considers the need for the Constitution to reflect Australian society and effectively support our Australian Legal System.

• Presents a sustained, logical & cohesive report proficiently using legal terminology and concepts.

8.5 - 10

• Demonstrates a strong understanding of the Australian Constitution and its key provisions for change and reform.

• Selects and incorporates relevant media, legal cases, international instruments and documents, demonstrating strong understanding of the legal issues presented.

• Considers and evaluates the presented proposal for Constitutional reform, recognising different perspectives of reform.

• Evaluates contemporary legal issues by considering justice, equality, fairness, access, natural justice and the rule of law and the need for the Constitution to reflect Australian society and effectively support our Australian Legal System.

• Presents a logical & cohesive report using legal terminology and concepts.

6.5 – 8

• Demonstrates a sound understanding of the Australian Constitution and its provisions for change and reform.

• Refers to media and /or legal cases, international instruments or documents soundly.

• Considers the presented proposal of Constitutional reform and the different perspectives on that reform.

• Provides some evaluation of the contemporary legal issues, with reference to issues that may include justice, equity, fairness, the rule of law and the need for the Constitution to reflect Australian society and support our Australian Legal System

• Presents a structured report that soundly uses legal terminology and concepts.

4.5 - 6

• Discusses the Australian Constitution and its provisions for change at a basic level.

• May or may not mention media, legal cases, international instruments or documents.

• Discusses Constitutional reform at a basic level. • Presents a basic response demonstrating basic legal terminology and concepts..

2.5- 4

• Limited reference to the Australian Constitution and reform/change. • Presents a limited response with limited use of legal terminology and concepts. 1 – 2

MARK /10

TOTAL MARK

/20

Notice of Assessment Task Preliminary Legal Studies

Date of initial notification: Term 1, Week 2

Date of submission: Term 2, Week

Task Number: 2

Time Allowed: 50 minutes Weighting of task: 30%

Course component/Focus area/Topic/Module: The Individual and the Law

Task Description: Students will research, draft and write an essay in response to the following question: QUESTION: Technology is evolving at an incredible speed and as a result the law is always playing catch up. Outline the problems arising from the use of modern technology and the reasons why the law is not always effective in this area. Students will be able to research and prepare their response in advance, however, will be required to write their essay under test conditions on the day. Do not forget to include legislation, cases, media, international instruments and documents. Students will be allowed to bring a single page of notes containing up to TEN (10) dot points to assist them in writing their essay on the day. The dot points must be your OWN work and in your handwriting. These notes will be submitted on the day of the task.

Outcomes assessed: P1. identifies and applies legal concepts and terminology P2. describes the key features of Australian and international law 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 P9. communicates legal information using well-structured responses

Marking Criteria Band/mark • demonstrates outstanding knowledge and understanding of legal issues

arising in regard to innovation in technology • evaluates the effectiveness of law in the area of new technology at an

outstanding level. • proficiently communicates using relevant legal terminology and concepts • integrates a wide variety of highly relevant examples such as legislation,

cases, media, international instruments and documents. • present an outstanding written response that is sustained, logical and

cohesive.

21-25

• demonstrates a high standard of knowledge and understanding of legal issues arising in regard to innovation in technology

• evaluates the effectiveness of law in the area of new technology at a high standard

• regularly communicates using relevant legal terminology and concepts • regularly integrates a variety of relevant examples such as legislation,

cases, media, international instruments and documents. • present a quality written response that is sustained, logical and

cohesive.

16-20

• demonstrates a sound knowledge and understanding of legal issues arising in regard to innovation in technology

• soundly evaluates the effectiveness of law in the area of new technology • soundly communicates using relevant legal terminology and concepts • soundly integrates some relevant examples such as legislation, cases,

media, international instruments and documents. • present a sound written response that is mostly sustained, logical and

cohesive.

11-15

• demonstrates some basic knowledge and understanding of legal issues arising in regard to innovation in technology

• provides some discussion of the effectiveness of law in the area of new technology

• communicates at times with relevant legal terminology and concepts • may or may not note some examples such as legislation, cases, media,

international instruments and documents. Examples may lack relevance. • presents a basic written response that may demonstrate basic structural

features.

6-10

• demonstrates a limited knowledge and understanding of legal issues arising in regard to innovation in technology

• provides none, or extremely limited discussion of the effectiveness of law in the area of new technology

• limited use of legal terminology and concepts. • fails to provide examples such as legislation, cases, media,

international instruments and documents. • presents an inadequate or poorly structured written response.

1-5

Notice of Assessment Task Preliminary Legal Studies

Date of initial notification:

Date of submission: (as per examination timetable)

Task Number: 2 Weighting of task: 40%

Course component/Focus area/Topic/Module: The Legal System, The Individual and the Law, Law in Practice

Task Description: Yearly Preliminary Examination (120 minutes) This task will contain 20 multiple choice questions, short answer questions and ONE extended response question.

• The examination will cover the following areas of content - Basic Legal Concepts, Sources of Contemporary Australian Law, Classification of Law, Law Reform, Rights and Responsibilities, Resolving Disputes, The Individual and technology AND all contemporary issues studied.

Outcomes assessed: 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 P7. evaluates the effectiveness of the law in achieving justice P9. communicates legal information using well-structured responses

Notes:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Legal Studies Stage 6

Syllabus

2009

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