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 12
The Loading is to be integrated as appropriate.
The changing nature and types of crime affecting individuals and society
Factors affecting criminal behaviour
The importance of situational and social crime prevention
The role of police in investigating crime, protecting the community and upholding the rule of law
Police powers and responsibilities under the law in relation to arrests, searches, warrants, questioning and detention
The role of police discretion, including the use of warnings, cautions and fines
The recognition of the rights of the accused, including the right to silence
Support measures, including advocacy for the accused and assistance for victims
The roles and impact of pre-trial processes and decisions
The bail process and its implications for the presumption of innocence
The role of remand and its impact on the accused and society
Reasons for and the operation of a criminal court hierarchy, including the appeal process
The adversarial system and its implications for the achievement of justice
The use of partial and complete defences to criminal charges
Reasons for and against the use of juries and judge-alone trials
The provision of legal aid to improve access to justice
The impact of support services and advocacy to improve access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The purposes of sentencing, including punishment, deterrence, protection and rehabilitation, and their roles in balancing the rights of victims, offenders and society
Factors affecting a sentencing decision, including statutory and judicial sentencing guidelines, aggravating and mitigating factors, and the use of judicial discretion
The role and consideration of victim impact statements
Types of custodial and non-custodial penalties and the extent to which they achieve their intended outcomes
Types of diversionary programs, including intervention, treatment and rehabilitation
The role of and participation in Culturally appropriate options to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The impact of diversionary programs and alternative approaches to sentencing in diverting offenders and reducing recidivism
The classification and placement of offenders in prison
The purpose and conditions of parole
The use of detention and supervision orders for high-risk offenders