HSC Legal Studies Preparation Course (Part 1) (January)

HSC Legal Studies. The smart way to prepare for your HSC.

Core Part I: Crime

This course covers the Core Part I: Crime using the syllabus principal focus and the six themes and challenges for this part of the HSC Legal Studies course.

Guidance on how to relate the themes and challenges to each aspect of the Crime topic is provided. Specific attention is given to developing evaluative and analytical thinking skills essential for high results in Legal Studies. You will be provided with criteria to answer questions that use higher order thinking verbs (eg “evaluate”, “assess”). Essential legislation, cases and international instruments and documents are covered. Criminal law media reports are provided, to provide knowledge about criminal law that is current.

As this part of the course is examined by multiple choice and extended response questions, guidance and tips for answering these types of questions are provided, including how to incorporate legislation, case studies, international instruments and documents and media reports in responses. You will receive practice HSC examination questions to complete.

This course is part of a three-part series covering key areas from within this subject’s syllabus. Other courses include HSC Legal Studies Preparation (Part 2) and HSC Legal Studies Preparation (Part 3). You do not need to attend all three parts in order to benefit. The series is supplemented by the HSC Legal Studies Exam Preparation Course (September) to prepare for end of year exams.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• investigate criminal law, processes and institutions
• describe the tension between community interests and individual rights and freedoms
• explain the role of criminal law in encouraging cooperation and resolving conflict, as well as initiating and responding to change
• evaluate the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in achieving justice for victims, offenders and society
• locate, select, organise, synthesise and analyse legal information about criminal law from legislation, cases, media reports and international instruments and documents
• communicate legal information about criminal law using well-structured and logical arguments
• analyse differing perspectives and interpretations of legal information and issues in relation to criminal law.

Content

Legal Studies Stage 6 Syllabus 2009 Part I of the Core: Crime

• The nature of Crime
• The criminal investigation process
• Criminal trial process
• Sentencing and punishment
• Young offenders
• International Crime

(Aligned to NESA Syllabus Reference Points)

Intended audience

HSC Legal Studies students.

Delivery style

This course will use a variety of learning activities to cater for different learning styles. These will include lecture style presentations, audio/visual material, discussions about current criminal justice issues, sample HSC questions and answers, analysis of past student responses and opportunities for students to ask questions about the topic. What worked for past top/Band 6 Legal Studies students will be provided, with advice about learning the course material and study techniques. Lessons will incorporate both group and individual student participation.

Materials

You will receive:

• a course booklet covering all syllabus dot points for this topic
• legislation linked to syllabus dot points
• cases linked to syllabus dot points
• media reports linked to syllabus dot points
• international instruments and documents linked to syllabus dot points
• HSC style questions and answers.

Getting Through Your HSC: A Practical Guide

While you progress through this journey and also the conclusion of your schooling life, we know you’ll have a lot on your mind – exams, future study, careers – but remember, while keeping focused on these bigger goals and aspirations, it’s also important not to forget your own health and well-being.

For tips on staying motivated and keeping focused, dealing with anxiety, keeping healthy, relaxation, pre-study exercise and more, read our article Getting Through Your HSC: A Practical Guide.