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 meaning and function of the law
Characteristics of effective law
Ways to classify the law, including binding or non-binding, written or unwritten, public or private, criminal or civil, common or statute, and domestic or international
Principles of justice, including equality, access and fairness
The relationship between ethics and the law
Principles of procedural fairness, including a fair hearing and rules against bias
The rule of law and its importance to individuals, groups, government and society
Consequences of an absence of law or a misuse of law
The significance and diversity of Customary Lore for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The roles of Elders in maintaining and upholding Customary Lore, including mediation and traditional dispute resolution
The interconnectedness of Country, Peoples, Cultural Practices and kinship that underpins Customary Lore
Responsibilities in caring for Country, including land and water management
The origin and development of common law in Australia
Features of the doctrine of precedent and its application in law
Statute law and the steps in the legislative process
The role and types of delegated legislation
The role, jurisdiction and hierarchy of courts in NSW and Australia
The purpose of specialist courts, including the Children’s Court and the Coroner’s Court
Features of the adversarial system
The role and structure of parliament in NSW and Australia
The relationship between courts and parliament
The creation and function of the Australian Constitution
The division of powers between federal, state and territory governments
Reasons for the separation of powers
The role of the High Court in interpreting the Constitution
Amending the Constitution through referendums
The formation of international law through customary law and instruments
The principle of state sovereignty and its impact on international and domestic law
Responsibilities of nation-states under international law, including Australia’s obligations
The purpose of the United Nations and its participation in international law
The purpose of intergovernmental organisations in encouraging cooperation among nation-states
The role of international courts and tribunals in resolving disputes
The participation of non-government organisations in international law
The relationship between the rights and responsibilities of individuals
Sources of rights derived from the Australian Constitution, statute law, common law and international law
Domestic and international protection of rights
Consequences of a breach of rights