TASC Legal Studies Level 3 study guide
TASC Legal Studies Level 3 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Legal Studies (Level 3) is a senior secondary course in the Tasmanian curriculum, delivered by schools and providers and quality-assured by the Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification body (TASC) through external assessment. It suits students in Years 11 and 12 who want a structured understanding of how law is made, applied and contested in Australia, and who are weighing further study in law, criminology, politics or public policy. As a Level 3 course it sits on the academic pathway and is generally recognised by tertiary admissions bodies, with an external written examination forming a significant part of final results. The content falls into four broad strands: the Australian legal system, including the constitutional framework and court hierarchy; law-making in Australia, covering Parliament, delegated legislation and the courts; legal institutions and the justice process, including dispute resolution and the adversarial and inquisitorial traditions; and rights, responsibilities and contemporary legal issues. The TASC Legal Studies Level 3 study guide has 4 sections and about 1,166 words.
01The Australian legal system
Australia is a federation under the Constitution, with a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary government. Its legal system is a common law system: judge-made law (case law) operates alongside legislation.
321 words, about 2 min02Law-making in Australia
Parliament is the primary law-maker, but its power is limited by the Constitution. The Commonwealth has enumerated powers (for example s 51) and exclusive powers; the states retain residual powers.
287 words, about 1 min03Legal institutions and the justice process
Courts are organised hierarchically, with original and appellate jurisdiction. Criminal offences are generally summary (heard by a magistrate, no jury) or indictable (judge and jury, often after a committal process).
275 words, about 1 min04Rights, responsibilities and contemporary legal issues
Australia has no national bill of rights. Rights are protected through express constitutional provisions, common law presumptions, statutes and international obligations.
283 words, about 1 min