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Legal Studies - Year 12 - Mr Osborne's Legal Class: Unit 4 - AOS 1 - Dispute resolution methods

Learning Intention

Area of study 1 Dispute resolution methods

There is a range of methods by which legal disputes can be resolved. Criminal cases are determined through the courts, whereas civil disputes can be resolved through a range of methods in courts and tribunals. Students investigate the jurisdictions of selected courts in the Victorian court hierarchy, and develop an understanding of the need for a hierarchy of courts. They examine the methods of dispute resolution used by courts and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) as a means of resolving civil disputes, and the way the institutions operate to resolve the disputes. Throughout their investigation, students compare and evaluate the operation of these dispute resolution methods.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to describe and evaluate the effectiveness of institutions and methods for the determination of criminal cases and the resolution of civil disputes. To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 1.

Key knowledge

  • the reasons for a court hierarchy 
  • original and appellate jurisdictions of the Victorian Magistrates’ Court, County Court, and Supreme Court (Trial Division and Court of Appeal)
  • the role of VCAT
  • dispute resolution methods used by courts and VCAT, including mediation, conciliation, arbitration and judicial determination
  • strengths and weaknesses of dispute resolution methods used by courts and VCAT
  • strengths and weaknesses of the way courts and VCAT operate to resolve disputes.

Key skills

  • define key legal terminology and use it appropriately
  • discuss, interpret and analyse legal information
  • justify the existence of a court hierarchy in Victoria
  • describe the jurisdiction of specific courts within the Victorian court hierarchy
  • compare and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of dispute resolution methods and the way courts and VCAT operate to resolve disputes.

 

Resources for Unit 4 - AOS 1