NCEA Level 2 Legal Studies 201
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs J. Struthers.
Legal Studies 201
Legal Studies is a course designed for students to gain an understanding of the Law in NZ as it relates to them. Legal Studies is a blend of concepts of law, history, politics, senior social studies and sociology. It is a social sciences course designed to make students more aware of the world around them from a legal perspective. Topics include: Crime and Justice, Legal Processes, criminal litigation, court and dispute resolution processes, social action and the United Nations and Human Rights. Students will participate in a range of practical activities including mock trials and debates.
Course Overview
Term 1
How the law works: What is crime? What are torts, for example, negligence, privacy and deffirmation? How do we resolve disputes?
There are Legal Studies unit standards that are assessed in Term 1 covering these ideas. They will help to provide a framework for the rest of the year's course.
Term 2
In Term 2, students will be looking at ideas of Justice and Human Rights. Students will learn through cases and scenarios looking into how we respond to wrongdoing. They will also undertake a social inquiry linked with Human Rights. This will lead to an understanding of what Human Rights are and how countries work to ensure people are treated fairly.
Term 3
This term is about Social Action - how people and groups try to change their society or their country's laws. Students will be involved in a personal social action project related to rights and responsibilities. We will also investigate the ways that different ideas can lead to cultural conflict.
Term 4
Students will continue to explore ideas around conflict in readiness for the external.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
There may be optional field trips organised by the teacher.
Pathway
The Legal Studies course provides an understanding of how New Zealand ensures a safe and orderly society. It equips students to be participants in that society and also allows people with a special interest in law and human rights the opportunity to be learning in this area.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is approved for University Entrance.
External
NZQA Info
Explain concepts of justice
NZQA Info
Explain concepts of law
NZQA Info
Explain litigation and dispute resolution processes
NZQA Info
Social Studies 2.1 - Demonstrate understanding of conflict(s) arising from different cultural beliefs and ideas
NZQA Info
Social Studies 2.2 - Conduct a reflective social inquiry
NZQA Info
Social Studies 2.4 - Describe personal involvement in a social action related to rights and responsibilities