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 internally assessed through Unit Standards. The criteria the Unit Standards are assessed against are Excellence, Merit and Achieved which are able to be counted towards an endorsed Level 2 NCEA. There is no end of year examination.

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.

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 SPEAKER
27848 Evaluate a concept of law in relation to a specific situation
- Law reform process
- Judge made law

Term 2
27848 Evaluate a concept of law in relation to a specific situation
- Law based on religion
- The Status of the Treaty of Waitangi
GUEST SPEAKER
27836 Explain concepts of democracy and government in a NZ context.
- Rule of Law,
- Separation of power
- Liberal Democracy

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
27845 Explain litigation and dispute resolution processes
- Negotiation, mediation
- Arbitration and litigation.

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

GUEST SPEAKER

Pathway

NCEA Level 3 Legal Studies

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.

Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

Nil (apart from bus fares to and from courts)

Recommended Prior Learning

NCEA Level 1 Achieved

Credit Information

Assessment	Level	Internal or External	Credits	L1 Literacy Credits	UE Literacy Credits	Numeracy Credits
U.S. 27836 v2 Explain concepts of democracy and government in a New Zealand context	2	I	4
U.S. 27839 v2 Explain concepts of justice	2	I	4
U.S. 27842 v2 Explain concepts of law	2	I	4
U.S. 27845 v2 Explain litigation and dispute resolution processes	2	I	4
U.S. 27848 v2 Explain a law making process	2	I	4
U.S. 27851 v2 Explain systems for the formation of central government, and their consequences in a New Zealand context	2	I	4
Total Credits			24	0	0	0

Total Credits Available: 24 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 24 credits.

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