Tawa College Tawa College

NCEA Level 2 Legal Studies 201

LEG201
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 is justice?
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 several types of Dispute Resolution in a variety of contexts. Students will learn a variety of dispute resolution methods and will practice these through the use of cases and scenarios. 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.

Term 4
This term is used to finish the Term 3 course and tidy up any incomplete work. Students have to opportunity to choose to complete an exam at the end of the year for the opportunity of course endorsement. Or an additional unit standard.

Learning Areas:

Social Sciences


Pathway

NCEA Level 3 Classical Studies 301, NCEA Level 3 Geography 301, NCEA Level 3 History 301, NCEA Level 3 Legal Studies 301, NCEA Level 3 Psychology 301

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.

Career Pathways

Judge, Workplace Relations Adviser, Barrister, Legal Executive, Solicitor, Personal Assistant, Court Registry Officer, Police Officer, Emergency Management Officer, Corrections Officer, Forensic Scientist, Health and Safety Inspector, Security Officer/Guard, Probation Officer, Intelligence Officer


Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

There may be optional field trips organised by the teacher.