12LGL

NCEA Level 2 Legal Studies

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mrs R. Keighley.

The course aims to give students knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the New Zealand legal system so they can operate as informed, confident and responsible citizens. 

During the year students will visit the courts , a prison (TBA), participate in a mock court and listen to speakers from the legal profession, police and community law service. 

The course is assessed through Unit Standards. The criteria the Unit Standards are assessed against are Excellence, Merit and Achieved which are counted towards an endorsed Level 2 NCEA. 

 The course is all internally assessed, so there is no external exam at the end of the year. This is an advantage, as it allows you more time for your other subjects, when the pressure comes on at the end of the year.  

Even though it is not one of the approved subjects for University Entrance, it can assist you in getting invaluable life skills and the necessary points to get scholarships. It could also help with getting overall excellence in Level 2. 

Although there is no requirement to have completed Level 2 Legal Studies to study Level 3 Legal Studies this course provides an excellent background and preparation for Level 3 Legal Studies

Level 2 Legal Studies is also a valuable course for students who are interested in studying Law, Criminal Justice, pursuing a career in the Police Force or working for the Justice Department.

 If you are considering taking Law or Criminal Justice at University this course would help you be that one step above the other students in a very competitve environment. 


Course Overview

Term 1
27851 Evaluate systems of government and their formation.
The two systems of government we focus on are the MMP system and FPP system of government.
- The electoral process,
- The government formation process and the resulting parliamentary system.
GUEST SPEAKERS
27836 Explain concepts of democracy and government in a NZ context.
- Rule of Law,

Term 2
27836 Explain concepts of democracy and government in a NZ context.
- Rule of Law,
- Separation of power
- Liberal Democracy
GUEST SPEAKERS
27845 Explain litigation and dispute resolution processes
- Negotiation, mediation
- Arbitration and litigation.

Term 3
27842 Explain concepts of law in relation to Legal scenarios.
We focus on 4 different concepts of law
- Crime, Negligence
-Natural Justice and Contracts.
COURT VISITS
27839 Explain the concepts of Justice
We focus on
- Retributive Justice

Term 4
27839 Explain the concepts of Justice
We focus on
- Restorative Justice.
- Marae Justice.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Recommended Prior Learning

NCEA Level 1 Achieved. There is no prerequisite to study level 2  Legal studies. 

Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

Nil (apart from bus fares to and from courts)

Pathway

If you are interested in a career in law, the police or the justice system, then Legal Studies can help you gain an insight in to these potential careers.

Assessment Information

The assessments are all internal and all of the assessments are open book.

Credit Information

You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.

Total Credits Available: 20
Internal Assessed Credits: 20
External Assessed Credits: 0
Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
U.S. 27836 v3
NZQA Info

Explain concepts of democracy and government in a New Zealand context


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
U.S. 27839 v3
NZQA Info

Explain concepts of justice


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
U.S. 27842 v3
NZQA Info

Explain concepts of law


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
U.S. 27845 v3
NZQA Info

Explain litigation and dispute resolution processes


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
U.S. 27851 v3
NZQA Info

Explain systems for the formation of central government in a New Zealand context


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 20
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Total Numeracy Credits: 0