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Legal Studies - Year 12 - Mr Osborne's Legal Class: Unit 3 - AOS 2 - The Constitution and the Protection of Rights

Learning Intention

AREA OF STUDY 2 The Constitution and the protection of rights

In this area of study students investigate the role of the Commonwealth Constitution in establishing and restricting the law-making powers of State and Commonwealth Parliaments. Students examine how these law-making powers can be changed and analyse the impact of these methods. They investigate the role of the High Court with respect to law-making powers and the protection of rights contained in the Constitution. Students explore the means by which the Commonwealth Constitution protects rights in Australia and develop an awareness of the rights and responsibilities of Australian citizens. They engage in a comparison of the constitutional approach used to protect their rights in Australia with that of another country, raising their awareness of an alternative model for the protection of rights.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain the role of the Commonwealth Constitution in defining law-making powers within a federal structure, analyse the means by which law-making powers may change, and evaluate the effectiveness of the Commonwealth Constitution in protecting human rights. To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 2.

Key skills

  • define key legal terminology and use it appropriately
  • discuss, interpret and analyse legal information and data
  • apply legal principles to relevant cases and issues
  • explain the role of the Commonwealth Constitution with respect to law-making powers and the protection of rights 
  • identify the types of law-making powers
  • explain the methods and processes of changing constitutional power
  • analyse the impact of referendums, High Court interpretation of the Constitution, and the referral of powers on the division of law-making powers
  • evaluate the means by which rights of Australians are protected by the Commonwealth Constitution, and the extent of this protection
  • compare the approach used to protect rights in a selected country with the approach used in 

Resources for Unit 3 - AOS 2