§-Legal Studies syllabus
QLD · QCAA← Legal Studies
Legal Studies syllabus, dot point by dot point
Every dot point in the QLD Legal Studies syllabus, with a focused answer for each. Click any dot point for a worked explainer, past exam questions and links to related points.
Unit 1: Beyond reasonable doubt
Module overview →How are crimes categorised in Queensland, and how does strict liability fit in?
the categories of crime in Queensland, including offences against the person, against property, against the state, drug, traffic, public order, and the special category of strict liability offences
What defences can an accused person raise to a criminal charge in Queensland?
the defences available to an accused person under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), including self-defence, provocation, mistake of fact and insanity
How are criminal offences investigated, and what powers do Queensland police have?
criminal investigation processes and police powers in Queensland
How does a criminal trial proceed in Queensland, and what is the role of the jury?
the criminal trial process and the role of the jury in Queensland
What must the prosecution prove to convict an accused person of a criminal offence in Queensland?
the elements of a criminal offence under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), including actus reus and mens rea
How are offenders sentenced in Queensland, and what purposes does punishment serve?
the purposes of sentencing and the types of penalties available under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld)
Unit 2: Balance of probabilities
Module overview →How are civil disputes resolved in Queensland without going to court?
alternative dispute resolution methods available in Queensland (mediation, conciliation, arbitration) and the role of tribunals (QCAT) and courts
What remedies can a court award to a successful plaintiff in a civil claim?
the remedies available in civil law, including damages and equitable remedies such as injunctions and specific performance
What makes an agreement a legally binding contract in Australia?
the essential elements of a valid contract, including offer, acceptance, consideration, intention and capacity
What standard and burden of proof apply in a civil claim?
the standard of proof (balance of probabilities) and burden of proof in civil law
How does the tort of negligence work in Queensland?
the tort of negligence, including duty of care, breach, and causation
Unit 3: Law, governance and change
Module overview →How does the Constitution structure government in Australia?
the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia, the separation of powers and the division of powers
How do courts make and develop law through the doctrine of precedent?
the doctrine of precedent and the role of courts in making common law, including binding and persuasive precedent
What influences law reform in Australia?
the influences on law reform, including Law Reform Commissions, royal commissions, parliamentary committees, the media, and individuals
How does section 109 of the Constitution resolve inconsistency between Commonwealth and state laws?
section 109 of the Constitution and its operation in concurrent areas of legislative power
How is statute law made by Parliament in Queensland and the Commonwealth?
the legislative process and the role of Parliament in making statute law, including the stages a bill passes through to become an Act
Unit 4: Human rights in legal contexts
Module overview →How did the modern human rights framework develop, and what are its key instruments?
the historical development of human rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, and the two International Covenants of 1966
How effective is international law in protecting human rights, and why is enforcement so difficult?
the sources, institutions and effectiveness of international law in protecting human rights, including the role of the United Nations
How are human rights protected in Australia, and what does the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) add?
the protection of human rights in Australia, including the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) and the dialogue model
How does the International Criminal Court prosecute the most serious international crimes?
the operation and effectiveness of the International Criminal Court and the Rome Statute