Is HSC Legal Studies Right for You?

Are you curious about how the law works and thinking about choosing Legal Studies for your HSC? Legal Studies is a fascinating course that dives into the world of laws, justice, and human rights. If you’re considering it, here’s a quick rundown of what the course involves and what to expect in the HSC exam.

What’s the HSC Legal Studies course about?

Legal Studies explores the legal system, the rights of individuals, and the role of law in society. You’ll learn about real-life issues, current events, and important legal concepts. Here are the main topics covered in the course:

• Core Part I: Crime – Investigate the criminal justice system, from the nature of crime to the processes for achieving justice. This includes studying police powers, court procedures, and sentencing.
• Core Part II: Human Rights – Examine human rights at a local, national, and international level, and understand how they’re protected and enforced around the world.

In Year 12, you’ll also choose two options that allow you to explore specific areas of law, such as:

• Family Law – Study the laws surrounding marriage, divorce, and the welfare of children.
• Workplace Law – Explore employment rights, workplace safety, and industrial relations.
• World Order – Understand international law, global governance, and peacekeeping efforts.
• Shelter, Consumers, Indigenous Peoples, and Technology – Choose from other options that cover legal issues relevant to different areas of society.

What’s the HSC Legal Studies exam like?

The Legal Studies HSC exam tests your understanding of legal concepts and your ability to evaluate how effectively the law addresses various issues. Here’s a breakdown of the exam structure:

• Section I (Multiple Choice): 20 questions that cover the basics of the core topics, worth 20 marks. These questions are a quick way to assess your foundational legal knowledge.
• Section II (Short Answers): Short-answer questions worth about 30 marks. Here, you’ll be asked to apply legal terms and concepts to specific issues or scenarios.
• Section III (Extended Response): This section includes one extended response on the Core Part I: Crime topic, worth 25 marks. You’ll need to analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.
• Section IV (Extended Response on Options): Choose one question based on your selected option topics, also worth 25 marks. This gives you a chance to show your deeper knowledge in areas you’ve chosen to specialise in.

Reasons to Choose Legal Studies

Here’s why Legal Studies could be an excellent choice for your HSC:

• Real-world relevance: You’ll learn about current legal issues and gain a better understanding of your rights and the law.
• Great for critical thinkers: Legal Studies challenges you to think critically, analyse situations, and make evidence-based arguments.
• Useful for a range of careers: Whether you’re considering law, government, social work, or even journalism, Legal Studies provides valuable skills and insights.

If you’re interested in justice, human rights, and understanding how the law shapes society, Legal Studies might just be the perfect fit. Good luck, and enjoy exploring the world of law!