| NSW Department of Education
Revision – Legal studies
Teacher note – in the following activity, students will choose 4-5 ‘big ideas’ that they
would write about in response to certain HSC or trial essay questions. Questions have
been provided for the core topic of crime and the options that are assessed via essays.
Alternate revision activities should be provided for the core topic of human rights.
Aim
Legal studies develops student knowledge, understanding and critical thinking skills in
relation to the legal system and its effectiveness in promoting a just and fair society, with a
view to empowering students to participate effectively as responsible citizens at the local,
national and international level.
Principal focus
Through the use of a range of contemporary examples, students investigate criminal law,
processes and institutions and the tension between community interests and individual
rights and freedoms.
Themes and challenges
the role of discretion in the criminal justice system
issues of compliance and non-compliance in regard to criminal law
the extent to which law reflects moral and ethical standards
the role of law reform in the criminal justice system
the extent to which the law balances the rights of victims, offenders and society
the effectiveness of legal and non-legal measures in achieving justice.
Outcomes
A student:
H1 identifies and applies legal concepts and terminology
education.nsw.gov.au
H2 describes and explains key features of and the relationship between Australian
and international law
H3 analyses the operation of domestic and international legal systems
H4 evaluates the effectiveness of the legal system in addressing issues
H5 explains the role of law in encouraging cooperation and resolving conflict, as well
as initiating and responding to change
H6 assesses the nature of the interrelationship between the legal system and
society
H7 evaluates the effectiveness of the law in achieving justice
H8 locates, selects, organises, synthesises and analyses legal information from a
variety of sources including legislation, cases, media, international instruments and
documents
H9 communicates legal information using well-structured and logical arguments
H10 analyses differing perspectives and interpretations of legal information and
issues.
Outcomes referred to in this document are from Legal Studies Stage 6 Syllabus © NSW Education
Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South
Wales, 2009.
1 Revision HSC legal studies 2021
Crime – core topic 1
Complete a summary of 4-5 ‘big ideas’ or paragraphs that you would write about in
an essay for this question.
Question 4-5 ‘big ideas’ to write about
Assess the effectiveness of the criminal investigation process as
a means of achieving justice.
Assess the use of defences to criminal charges in achieving
justice.
Assess the effectiveness of the jury system in the criminal trial.
Assess the effectiveness of the criminal trial process as a means
of achieving justice.
Evaluate the effectiveness of different types of penalties, includ-
ing diversionary programs.
Assess the roles of alternative methods of sentencing.
Evaluate the effectiveness of sentencing and punishment as a
means of achieving justice.
Assess the effectiveness of the criminal justice system when
dealing with young offenders
Evaluate the effectiveness of the domestic and international legal
systems in dealing with international crime.
Evaluate the role of discretion in the criminal justice system.
To what extent does the management of young offenders in the
criminal justice system reflect the moral and ethical standards of
society?
To what extent does the law reflect moral and ethical standards
of society?
Evaluate the role of law reform in the criminal justice system.
To what extent does the law balance the rights of victims, offend-
ers and society?
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal measures in
achieving justice.
Assess the impact of non-compliance on the effectiveness of
criminal law.
Complete an essay for the following question: ‘Evaluate the effectiveness of the
criminal justice system.’
© NSW Department of Education, HSIE curriculum, 2021
Use a C-3-B4-Me feedback strategy to gain advice on how to improve the essay
from 3 of your peers before emailing to your teacher. Feedback should be based on
whether the essay:
o presents a logical, cohesive and sustained argument
o integrates relevant legislation, cases and media
o demonstrates extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system
o makes clear judgement(s).
3 Revision HSC legal studies 2021
Option 1 – consumers
Complete a summary of 4-5 ‘big ideas’ or paragraphs that you would write about in
an essay for this question. Please note, only 2 options are studied for HSC Legal
Studies, so only 2 of the ‘options’ sections should be completed.
Question 4-5 ‘big ideas’ to write about
Evaluate the effectiveness of the regulation of marketing, advert-
ising and product certification in achieving consumer protection.
Evaluate the effectiveness of non-legal and legal measures in
achieving justice for consumers.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to
credit.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to
product certification.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to
marketing innovations.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to
technology.
Assess the role of the law in encouraging cooperation and resolv-
ing conflict in regard to consumers.
To what extent do issues of compliance impact on the effective-
ness of legal responses to issues affecting consumers?
How well do laws relating to consumers reflect changing values
and ethical standards?
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses in
achieving justice for consumers.
Complete an essay for the following question: ‘Evaluate the effectiveness of legal
and non-legal responses in achieving justice for consumers.’
Use a C-3-B4-Me feedback strategy to gain advice on how to improve the essay
from 3 of your peers before emailing to your teacher. Feedback should be based on
whether the essay:
o presents a logical, cohesive and sustained argument
o integrates relevant legislation, cases and media
o demonstrates extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system
o makes clear judgement(s).
© NSW Department of Education, HSIE curriculum, 2021
Option 2 – global environmental
protection
Complete a summary of 4-5 ‘big ideas’ or paragraphs that you would write about in
an essay for this question. Please note, only 2 options are studied for HSC Legal
Studies, so only 2 of the ‘options’ sections should be completed.
Question 4-5 ‘big ideas’ to write about
Evaluate the role of sovereignty in assisting and impeding the res-
olution of global environmental protection issues.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and nonlegal measures in pro-
tecting the global environment.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal responses to threats to the
global environment.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal responses to the conflict
between the demand for resources and global environmental pro-
tection.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to the
barriers to achieving an international response to global environ-
mental protection.
Evaluate the effectiveness of Australia’s responses to international
initiatives for global environmental protection.
Assess the impact of state sovereignty on international cooperation
and the resolution of conflict in regard to environmental protection
To what extent are issues on non-compliance the only barrier to
achieving global environmental protection
Evaluate the impact of changing values and ethical standards on
environmental protection
Assess the role of the role of law reform in protecting the global en-
vironment
Evaluate the effectiveness of the effectiveness of legal and non-
legal responses in protecting the environment.
Complete an essay for the following question: ‘Evaluate the effectiveness of legal
and non-legal responses to protecting the environment.’
Use a C-3-B4-Me feedback strategy to gain advice on how to improve the essay
from 3 of your peers before emailing to your teacher. Feedback should be based on
whether the essay:
o presents a logical, cohesive and sustained argument
5 Revision HSC legal studies 2021
o integrates relevant legislation, cases and media
o demonstrates extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system
o makes clear judgement(s).
© NSW Department of Education, HSIE curriculum, 2021
Option 3 – family law
Complete a summary of 4-5 ‘big ideas’ or paragraphs that you would write about in
an essay for this question. Please note, only 2 options are studied for HSC Legal
Studies, so only 2 of the ‘options’ sections should be completed.
Question 4-5 ‘big ideas’ to write about
Evaluate the effectiveness of the law in protecting victims of do-
mestic violence.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the law in achieving justice for
parties involved in relationship breakdowns.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to the
recognition of same sex relationships.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to the
changing nature of parental responsibility.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to
surrogacy and birth technologies.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to
care and protection of children.
Evaluate the role of the law in encouraging co-operation and redu-
cing conflict in regard to family.
To what extent is compliance achieved in family law?
Evaluate the effectiveness of changes to family law as a response
to changing values in the community.
Assess the role of law reform in achieving just outcomes for family
members and society.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses in
achieving just outcomes for family members.
Complete an essay for the following question: ‘Evaluate the effectiveness of legal
and non-legal responses in achieving just outcomes for family members.’
Use a C-3-B4-Me feedback strategy to gain advice on how to improve the essay
from 3 of your peers before emailing to your teacher. Feedback should be based on
whether the essay:
o presents a logical, cohesive and sustained argument
o integrates relevant legislation, cases and media
o demonstrates extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system
o makes clear judgement(s).
7 Revision HSC legal studies 2021
Option 5 – Indigenous peoples
Complete a summary of 4-5 ‘big ideas’ or paragraphs that you would write about in
an essay for this question.
Question 4-5 ‘big ideas’ to write about
Evaluate the role of sovereignty in assisting and impeding the re-
cognition of the rights of indigenous peoples.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal measures in
achieving justice for indigenous peoples.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to
loss of cultural rights including language.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to
land rights.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to
legal rights to natural resources.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to in-
tellectual property rights.
Evaluate the impact of state sovereignty in encouraging coopera-
tion and resolving conflict in regard to indigenous peoples.
Assess the role of compliance in achieving justice for indigenous
people globally.
Assess how well laws relating to indigenous peoples reflect chan-
ging values and ethical standards.
Evaluate the role of law reform in recognising the rights of indi-
genous peoples.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses in
achieving justice for indigenous peoples.
Complete an essay for the following question: ‘Evaluate the effectiveness of legal
and non-legal responses in achieving justice for indigenous peoples.’
Use a C-3-B4-Me feedback strategy to gain advice on how to improve the essay
from 3 of your peers before emailing to your teacher. Feedback should be based on
whether the essay:
o presents a logical, cohesive and sustained argument
o integrates relevant legislation, cases and media
o demonstrates extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system
o makes clear judgement(s).
© NSW Department of Education, HSIE curriculum, 2021
Option 5 – shelter
Complete a summary of 4-5 ‘big ideas’ or paragraphs that you would write about in
an essay for this question. Please note, only 2 options are studied for HSC Legal
Studies, so only 2 of the ‘options’ sections should be completed.
Question 4-5 ‘big ideas’ to write about
Assess the role of the legal system in protecting those securing and
providing shelter.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and nonlegal measures in
achieving justice for people seeking shelter.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to af-
fordability of shelter.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to dis-
crimination in seeking and providing shelter.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to
homelessness.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to so-
cial housing.
Assess the role of the law in encouraging cooperation and resolving
conflict in regard to shelter.
To what extent is compliance with the law achieved in relation to
shelter?
Assess the extent to which laws relating to shelter reflect the chan-
ging values and ethical standards in society.
Evaluate the role of law reform in protecting the rights of those seek-
ing shelter.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the legal and non-legal responses in
achieving just outcomes in regard to the provision of shelter.
Complete an essay for the following question: ‘Evaluate the effectiveness of legal
and non-legal responses in in regard to the provision of shelter.’
Use a C-3-B4-Me feedback strategy to gain advice on how to improve the essay
from 3 of your peers before emailing to your teacher. Feedback should be based on
whether the essay:
o presents a logical, cohesive and sustained argument
o integrates relevant legislation, cases and media
o demonstrates extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system
o makes clear judgement(s).
9 Revision HSC legal studies 2021
Option 6 – workplace
Complete a summary of 4-5 ‘big ideas’ or paragraphs that you would write about in
an essay for this question.
Question 4-5 ‘big ideas’ to write about
Evaluate the evaluate the effectiveness
of dispute resolution processes.
Assess the role of the legal system in
regulating the workplace.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and
non-legal measures in protecting and re-
cognising workplace rights.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and
non-legal responses to discrimination.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and
non-legal responses to safety.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and
non-legal responses to termination of
employment.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and
non-legal responses to leave.
Assess the role of the law in encouraging
cooperation and resolving conflict in the
workplace.
To what extent do issues of compliance
impact on the effectiveness of workplace
law?
To what extent do laws relating to the
workplace reflect changing values and
ethical standards?
Assess the role of law reform in recog-
nising rights and enforcing responsibilit-
ies in the workplace.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and
non-legal responses in achieving justice
in the workplace.
Complete an essay for the following question: ‘Evaluate the effectiveness of legal
and non-legal responses in achieving justice in the workplace.’
© NSW Department of Education, HSIE curriculum, 2021
Use a C-3-B4-Me feedback strategy to gain advice on how to improve the essay
from 3 of your peers before emailing to your teacher. Feedback should be based on
whether the essay:
o presents a logical, cohesive and sustained argument
o integrates relevant legislation, cases and media
o demonstrates extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system
o makes clear judgement(s).
11 Revision HSC legal studies 2021
Option 7 – world order
Complete a summary of 4-5 ‘big ideas’ or paragraphs that you would write about in
an essay for this question.
Question 4-5 ‘big ideas’ to write about
Evaluate the role of sovereignty in assisting and impeding the res-
olution of world order issues.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and nonlegal measures in
resolving conflict and working towards world order.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to the
principle of ‘responsibility to protect.’
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to re-
gional and global situations that threaten peace and security.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to the
success of global cooperation in achieving world order.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses to
rules regarding the conduct of hostilities.
Evaluate the role of law in encouraging cooperation and resolving
conflict in regard to world order.
Assess how issues of compliance and non-compliance impact on
the resolution of conflict between nation states.
Evaluate the impact of changing values and ethical standards on
world order.
Assess the role of law reform in promoting and maintaining world
order.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal responses in
promoting and maintaining world order.
Complete an essay for the following question: ‘Evaluate the effectiveness of legal
and non-legal responses in promoting and maintaining world order.’
© NSW Department of Education, HSIE curriculum, 2021
Use a C-3-B4-Me feedback strategy to gain advice on how to improve the essay
from 3 of your peers before emailing to your teacher. Feedback should be based on
whether the essay:
o presents a logical, cohesive and sustained argument
o integrates relevant legislation, cases and media
o demonstrates extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system
o makes clear judgement(s).
13 Revision HSC legal studies 2021
