Overview
This lecture provides an introduction to VCE Legal Studies, covering the course structure, key concepts, and the importance of understanding the legal system, justice, and law reform.
Importance of Legal Studies
- Legal Studies helps students understand how the justice system and law operate in society.
- The course encourages questioning about justice, fairness, and equality in the legal process.
- Provides preparation for further studies and careers in law, such as paralegal work.
Core Principles and Concepts
- Examines if the legal process is fair and equal for all individuals.
- Focuses on whether all parties have an equal opportunity and understanding of their legal rights.
- Emphasizes fairness, equality, and access to justice.
Course Structure
Unit 1: Criminal Law
- Explores main sources and types of law.
- Assesses the effectiveness of criminal laws.
- Analyzes criminal culpability and key criminal law concepts.
- Discusses sanctions (e.g., imprisonment, fines) and their effectiveness.
Unit 2: Civil Law and Human Rights
- Explores how civil law protects individual rights and resolves disputes.
- Examines specific civil law topics, such as negligence or trespass, using recent case studies.
- Investigates remedies and their effectiveness in achieving justice.
- Introduces human rights, including the Victorian Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Units 3 & 4: Dispute Resolution and Law-Making
- Studies resolution bodies like courts, VCAT, and Consumer Affairs Victoria.
- Evaluates reforms and recommendations to improve the justice system.
- Explores Parliament’s law-making powers and Constitutional protections.
- Investigates the relationship between Parliament and courts and influences on law reform.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Justice — The principles of fairness, equality, and access in the legal system.
- Criminal Law — Laws relating to crimes and their prosecution and punishment.
- Civil Law — Laws dealing with the rights and disputes between individuals or organizations.
- Sanction — Legal penalties, such as imprisonment or fines, imposed for breaking the law.
- Remedy — Action taken by a court to resolve a civil dispute or enforce a right.
- Human Rights — The basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review course outline and structure.
- Familiarize yourself with key terms and principles.
- Prepare for upcoming units by reading about the Victorian Charter of Human Rights.