2016 VCE exam guide — Legal Studies: Look at the reasons why the law changes

Students are expected to define legal terminology, provide factually accurate descriptions and analyse the effectiveness of our legal processes and procedures.

Do not overlook the importance of examination techniques.

Understand the requirements of task terms, write clear and legible responses and use paragraphs to structure responses.

The 2015 examination report notes that when a question asks “to what extent”, students should respond by addressing that part of the question first.

“To what extent” is asking the student to put forward a contention.

State if you agree, disagree or partially agree and then provide an extended discussion supporting your contention.

Unit 3 focuses on lawmaking. Students look at the reasons why the law changes as well as the use of petitions, demonstrations (pictured) and the media as methods to influence change.

One skill students must demonstrate is the ability to use contemporary examples to explain the influences on legislative change.

In other words, to describe an example and explain how individuals or groups used that method to influence change. Reading daily newspapers is a simple way to gather examples.

In Unit 3 students are also asked to discuss the significance of High Court cases.

Your responses to these questions need to give a brief factual description and to focus on how the case changed our understanding of the law.

In Unit 4 students explore the effectiveness of the legal system and the extent to which court processes or procedures contribute to the effectiveness of the legal system.

Students are asked to consider recent changes or reforms that could further improve the effectiveness of the legal system.

Good students not only identify recent changes but also make a clear connection to how these changes make the legal system operate more effectively.

It is important to understand what types of changes or proposed changes are needed as examples. Look for those examples that you can easily connect to a court process or procedure.

For instance, the Access to Medicinal Cannabis Act 2015 is a recent change in the law, however; it may be difficult to draw a connection to how this change enhances court processes and procedures.

The 2006 Examination Report noted that the introduction of committal proceedings, tribunals and of legal aid were not recent changes.

Recent changes can be sourced from media reports, the work of the Victorian Law Reform Commission and the web pages and annual reports of various bodies.

In 2016, the VCAT web page announced a new fee structure. From July 1 VCAT fees have been charged according to three levels: corporate, standard and concession.

● The corporate fee applies to larger businesses, companies, corporations and government agencies with a turnover of more than $200,000 in the previous financial year.

● The standard fee is payable by individuals (including those who run small businesses as sole traders or in partnerships), not-for-profit organisations and incorporated businesses with a turnover of less than $200,000 in the previous financial year.

● The concession fee is capped at $150 and is available automatically to holders of a Commonwealth Health Care Card.

By referring to a range of resources, good students demonstrate a deeper understanding of the subject. Remember to be guided by your teacher in the selection of appropriate examples and to refer to past examination reports in your preparation for the examination.

Jules Aldous teaches VCE
Legal Studies at Shelford Girls’ Grammar