Yr 13 Legal Studies

The Year 13 Legal Studies course is a logical progression for those students who have completed the Year 12 Legal Studies course, as they seek to further develop their knowledge of the law and their skills of legal reasoning and analysis.
The course will be assessed by way of Social Studies Achievement Standards and Legal Studies Unit Standards. A total of 15 Achievement Standards will be offered, together with 14 Unit Standards, of which it is envisaged that students will study toward a total of 18 credits comprising of both Unit Standards and Achievement Standards. Students should note that Social Studies is on the NCEA ‘approved subject list’, meaning that any Social Studies credits gained count towards University Entrance.

To gain entry to the course the students must have attained:

• At least 12 credits at Level 2 in Legal Studies; or
• At least 16 credits at Level 2 in English. These credits must include either 1.2 or 2.2 produce formal writing.
• At least 16 credits at Level 2 in History.

In exceptional circumstances a student who does not meet these requirements may apply to gain entry to the course. Such cases will be judged on an individual basis, with the entry decision being solely at the discretion of the HOF Social Sciences in conjunction with Miss Leete.

Topics studied:

• The relationship between the state and the individual;
• The principles of law reform;
• Criminal and Civil Court processes

Achievement Objectives

The course will enable students to:

• Describe the establishment and development of the New Zealand legal system;
• Provide perspectives on the current and future development of New Zealand law.
• Describe the nature of reform and the impact reforms have on the rights, roles, and responsibilities of individuals and communities.

Contact Miss Leete.