Hagley Community College Hagley Community College

12 Legal Studies (12LAW)

12LAW
Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Nadene Brouwer, Kat Anderson.

Recommended Prior Learning

Entry Requirements

10 credits in a Level 1 writing-rich subject including one writing-based standard

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 how laws relate to and are affected by the changing needs of society.

Potential Components

  • The causes and consequences of crime and different ways of dealing with it
  • How the court system works
  • Concepts of justice
  • Concepts of law in regards to legal scenarios
  • Civil law and disputes resolution processes
  • Prison and court visits
  • Opportunities to learn about a wide range of jobs in the law

Course Overview

Term 1
U.S. 8545 v6 Describe factors contributing to, and consequences of, crime, 3 Credits, 15 March
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, 31 May
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, 28 August
This unit focuses on negligence and contract law as two examples of specific concepts of law. Students will evaluate 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, Date TBC
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.

Learning Areas:

Social Science


Assessment Information

Possible Credits
Internal - 15 credits