NCEA Level 3 Legal Studies 301
LEG301 Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs J. Struthers.
Recommended Prior LearningThis is a written academic subject, 8 credits or more credits at Level 2 or higher in any one of the following subjects: English, History, Geography, Classics, Legal Studies will be beneficial.
Some concepts and terminology from the Level 2 course are important but students who are new to Legal Studies at Level 3 will be supported to catch up with these and will not be disadvantaged.
Legal Studies 301
Legal Studies is a blend of law, history, politics, international relations and sociology. It is a social sciences course designed to make students more aware of the world around them from a legal perspective. Students will gain an understanding of the Law in NZ as it relates to them and international law as it affects us. Topics include: systems of justice, international law, social action, and law change. Students will participate in a range of practical activities including mock trials and debates.
UE Approved Subject
Course Overview
Term 1
In Term 1 students will begin the year understanding the law-making process in relation to controversial law change for example, in the context of war crimes. Following this we look at how the state can be challenged, through legal processes, domestically or internationally. And finally, we see how a social action has brought change.
Term 2
We will begin a critical social inquiry by identifying an issue. Possible contexts have included; environment, women's rights, animal rights, racism, free speech, LGBTQI+ issues. The inquiry seeks to understand how the issue can be addressed in the future. This term we also investigate how pre-European legal concepts are contributing to the evolution of legislation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Term 3
This term, the class will plan, carry out and examine their personal involvement in a social action that aims to influence policy change in some way. Towards the end of the term, students will begin to prepare for an external standard which looks at the impacts of ideologies and their impact on society.
Term 4
This term students continue preparation for the external.
Assessment Information
Above is an offering of the possible assessment opportunities in Legal Studies.
Students wishing to use Legal Studies as a UE subject should prioritise the Achievement Standard assessments in this course.
Barrister, Elected Government Representative, Legal Executive, Solicitor, Judge, Workplace Relations Adviser, Court Registry Officer, Paramedic, Pathologist, Police Officer, Emergency Management Officer, Corrections Officer, Forensic Scientist, Fishery Officer, Funeral Director/Embalmer, Health and Safety Inspector, Security Officer/Guard, Parking Officer, Probation Officer, Intelligence Officer
Contributions and Equipment/StationeryThere may be optional field trips organised by the teacher.