11–12Legal Studies 11–12 Syllabus (2025)

The origin and nature of international relations

The need for international relations in the global community

The changing nature of the global community and the impact of state sovereignty

The contribution of international organisations in fostering relationships in the global community

Characteristics of human rights

The changing nature and developing recognition of human rights

Categories of human rights, including civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights, the right to self-determination, environmental rights and peace rights

Foundational instruments for establishing human rights contained in the International Bill of Human Rights: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

The role of international human rights law in upholding the obligations of nation-states in emerging areas of human rights protection, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The role and limits of the United Nations in setting standards for human rights protection

The obligations and duties of nation-states to protect human rights through international instruments

Ways to monitor the protection and breaches of human rights

Responses to breaches of human rights by international courts and tribunals

ONE case study of a human right and the extent to which it is protected at an international level

The process of incorporating international human rights instruments into domestic law

Australia’s obligation to protect human rights through the Australian Constitution, and statute and common law

The function and importance of the Australian Human Rights Commission

Responses to breaches of human rights by Australian courts and tribunals

Debates over the need for a human rights framework in Australia

ONE case study of a human right and the extent to which it is protected in Australia

Methods to promote human rights, including advocacy, education, persuasion and investigation

The role of non-government organisations that promote and monitor breaches of human rights

The role of organisations that support and advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ right to self-determination

The role and limits of the media in promoting human rights

ONE case study of a human right and the extent to which it is promoted by non‑government organisations or the media