NCEA Level 2 Legal Studies
12LGL Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs R. Keighley.
Recommended Prior LearningNCEA Level 1 Achieved. There is no prerequisite to study level 2 Legal studies.
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
Assessment Information
The assessments are all internal and all of the assessments are open book.
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.
Career PathwaysPolice Officer, Barrister, Legal Executive, Solicitor, Corrections Officer, Judge, Customs Officer, Court Registry Officer
Contributions and Equipment/StationeryNil (apart from bus fares to and from courts)