11–12Legal Studies 11–12 Syllabus (2025)
The new Legal Studies 11–12 Syllabus (2025) is to be implemented from 2027 and will replace the Legal Studies Stage 6 Syllabus (2009).
2026
- Plan and prepare to teach the new syllabus
2027, Term 1
- Start teaching the new syllabus for Year 11
- Start implementing new Year 11 school-based assessment requirements
- Continue to teach the Legal Studies Stage 6 Syllabus (2009) for Year 12
2027, Term 4
- Start teaching the new syllabus for Year 12
- Start implementing new Year 12 school-based assessment requirements
2028
- First HSC examination for the new syllabus
Content
Year 11
The Loading is to be integrated as appropriate.
The purpose and characteristics of criminal law
Elements of a crime, including actus reus, mens rea and causation
Types of crime, including strict liability, summary and indictable, and crimes against people and property
The burden and standard of proof in criminal law
Procedures in NSW criminal courts, including legal representation
The role of legal personnel and the jury in a criminal trial
Types and aims of punishments
Key concepts of justice as illustrated through the operation of the law in a criminal case
The purpose and characteristics of civil law
Elements of civil law, including breach, causation and loss
Types of civil law, including torts and contracts
The burden and standard of proof in civil law
Procedures in NSW tribunals and civil courts, including alternative methods of resolving disputes
The role of legal personnel and the jury in a civil trial
Types and aims of remedies
Key concepts of justice as illustrated through the operation of the law in a civil case
The purpose and characteristics of administrative law
Reasons individuals and groups have disputes with the state
Ways to address disputes through non-government organisations and the media
Ways to address disputes through government reviews, courts and tribunals
The role of the Ombudsman in investigating complaints and providing remedies
The purpose of a royal commission
The findings and recommendations of royal commissions, including the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry
Key concepts of justice as illustrated through the operation of a dispute between individuals or groups and the state