Legal Studies - NCEA Level 3
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Whaea L. Green.
The main focus of Legal Studies 8 is around applying law to actual legal cases and scenarios. There are visits from lawyers, police, prison officers and court visits to enhance understanding and provide information of careers in and around the legal profession.
The course covers topics including:
- Concepts of law and justice
- Actual court cases
- Current news events
- Court processes
- The role of the Government in New Zealand
- Law making and restrictions on its power
Course Overview
Term 1
This term you will learn how to evaluate concepts of justice in relation to specific situations. Concepts of justice refer to the theories or principles that inform how we judge the fairness of the application of law.
Later in the term we will be evaluating two concepts of law in relation to specific situations. These include the mens rea defence of provocation in relations to the R v Ambach case and privacy law and the release of beneficiaries income details by MP Paula Bennett.
Term 2
In term 2 will be be learning how to evaluate systems of government and their formation. Will will be looking at constitutional Monarchy in New Zealand, Federal Government in the USA, Islamic Republic in Iran and Dictatorship in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge rule.
Term 3
This term we will be learning about how to evaluate litigation and dispute resolution processes. We will be specifically evaluating the Waitangi Tribunal, judicial review and the office of the Ombudsman.
Term 4
This term we will be analyzing the legal processes that were followed in relation to the enactment of the employment relations amendment act, the negotiations around the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and the Waitangi Tribunal and the Maaori language claim.
Recommended Prior Learning
12 literacy credits at level 2 or approval of teacher in charge of Legal Studies.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Evaluate a concept of justice in relation to an actual situation
Assessments:
Term: 1, Week: 5
NZQA Info
Evaluate a concept of law in relation to an actual situation
Assessments:
Term: 1, Week: 11
NZQA Info
Evaluate litigation and dispute resolution processes in relation to challenging state power
Assessments:
Term: 3, Week: 8
NZQA Info
Evaluate a law making process in relation to a significant legal issue
Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 2
NZQA Info
Evaluate systems of government and their formation
Assessments:
Term: 2, Week: 8