Hagley Community College Hagley Community College

12 Legal Studies (12LAW)

12LAW
Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Nadene Brouwer, Kat Anderson.

Recommended Prior Learning

Open Entry
This is a literacy rich subject

12 Legal Studies

To be informed citizens, you need an understanding of the concepts, principles, and processes that provide the foundations for our legal system and of the issues that confront it. This course will provide students with the opportunity to gain such an understanding in both a NZ and a global context. Students will be encouraged to look critically at our justice system and develop their understanding of the application of law in Aotearoa.

Potential Components

  • The causes and consequences of crime and different ways of dealing with it.
  • How the court system works including a visit to the District Courts.
  • Concepts of justice and how these are applied in different legal systems.
  • Concepts of law in regard to legal scenarios.
  • Civil law and disputes resolution processes.
  • Opportunities to learn about a wide range of jobs in the legal sector.

Course Overview

Term 1
U.S. 8545 v6 Describe factors contributing to, and consequences of, crime, 3 Credits
This unit explores the elements which make an action a crime, we consider reasons why a person may be compelled to commit a crime and both legal and non-legal consequences of crime.

Term 2
U.S. 27839 v3 Explain concepts of justice, 4 Credits
This unit enables students to explore different types of justice. We look specifically at retributive and restorative justice and examine what this looks like in both New Zealand and other countries across the world.

Term 3
U.S. 27842 v3 Explain concepts of law, 4 credits
This unit focuses on negligence and contract law as two examples of specific concepts of law. Students will evaluate interesting case studies, both historical and current, where these concepts of law are applied.

Term 4
U.S. 27845 v2a Explain Litigation and Disputes processes, 4 credits
Beginning in Term 3 and assessed in Term 4, this unit allows students to develop an understanding of the specific processes of both criminal and civil law. Students will explore processes that help with civil disputes outside of the courtroom and we will visit the District Courts to see where all the action happens!

Learning Areas:

Social Science


Assessment Information

Possible Credits
Internal - 15 credits