Legal Studies

Course Outline

Law affects every area of your life – from what you can be named when you’re born, to whom you can leave money to when you die. The Legal Studies course develops students’ understanding of the law and the vital role it plays in our society.

Given the fundamental role which law plays in our society, the course will be of great relevance to a wide range of students. It is obviously a ‘must’ for any students wishing to pursue a career in the law but it will also appeal to students who enjoy History and English. In addition, the course will be of great value to students interested in careers in journalism, accounting, management, diplomacy, forensic science, the Army and the Police force.

Legal Studies courses are offered at Years 12 and 13.
To further their understanding of these various different aspects of the law, students will visit the Christchurch Courts, Paparoa and/or Rolleston Prison, Parliament, a leading national law firm, the Court of Appeal and Christchurch Central Police Station.  In addition a variety of guest speakers will talk to the class including a criminal barrister, counsel for the child, CYPFs Social Worker, solicitor from the Community Law Centre, Greg Newbold (leading New Zealand criminologist), probation officer, local MPs and an electoral officer and specialist lecturers from the University of Canterbury.