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P&L11 - Democracy and the Rule of Law/Representation & Justice: Law Making

Year 11 ATAR

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How Our Laws are Made

Using everyday examples that students can easily relate to. This program explains in simple terms how Australia's laws are made by our three levels of government: Municipal, State or Territory and Commonwealth.

 
 

The Law Reform Process

In every modern society the laws that govern its citizens are complex and vital. From traffic law and tax law, through to criminal and family law, there are laws that relate to every part of our lives. Laws play a fundamental role in keeping social order in the world, but what happens when society changes and a law becomes outdated? In this program we examine how laws are reviewed and changed; we delve into why we change laws; the role of formal law reform bodies, individuals, parliament and courts in changing the law, as well as the factors that sometimes delay change.

 
 

Purposes of Criminal Sanctions in Australia

This program details the key aims of imposing criminal sentences upon offenders in Australia. The purpose and effectiveness of sentencing and sanctions are explored. Viewers are introduced to states and territory law acts, and various cases are cited as examples of the efficacy of specific sanctions. Illuminating statistics about recidivism demonstrate the relative power of different types and lengths of sentences handed down in recent decades

Related Readings

Determining Criminal Sentences in Australia

This program explores the types of sentencing imposed on criminal offenders in Australia and the factors taken into account when determining sentences. Current practices include fines, community orders, home detention and prison terms. How judges enact the law based on previous sentences for similar crimes, aggravating and mitigating factors, impact on the victim and the level of threat posed to the community is also examined.

Tort Law

Sometimes our everyday actions and choices have significant impact on the experience of other people, even affecting their level of comfort and safety. When an individual breaches the civil rights of another, it is known as a civil wrong or Tort. This program outlines the definition and purpose of Tort law, including negligence, nuisance, trespass and defamation. What can you do when you find an insect in your food or when your neighbour is constantly noisy? Viewers will see how such problems can be addressed and several legal experts explain how Tort Law was developed.

 
 

Government and Law Making

This programme examines our three levels of government, how laws are created and the structure and role of the Australian parliamentary system. It discusses the role of the Commonwealth Constitution in establishing the Federal parliament and the way powers are divided.