VCE Legal Studies Question Thread

[J_Rho]

Hi I just got my first Legal SAC back and I am a little disappointed, I got a B. I felt I had answered everything - I haven't received any feedback or comments however on the SAC. I will probably take it in to Tutesmart with me for feedback or email someone for some time to go over. I attended tutesmart sessions for tutoring and thought I was doing well, so this was a big shock for me as I was hoping for at least an A.  Can anyone give me some feedback on how this would impact on my SS, I know I have a long way to go but I was aiming A/A+ average and 40+ ATAR, VCE.

Hey Mackenzie,
I feel this question would be more suited to this thread.
It's a great step to get feedback from people other than your teacher but I would definitely feel you could still get a 40+ despite being dissapointed with this mark at the end of they day it is your ranking that matters most

[meag207]

Hi everyone, just wondering if anyone has any Legal Studies Unit 3 Outcome 1 and 2 practice sacs.
My teacher has not provided us with any and would appreciate the extra help in practicing some questions

thanks

[J_Rho]

Where does VCAT sit in the court hierarchy?

[IThinkIFailed]

Where does VCAT sit in the court hierarchy?

Hey, VCAT is not part of the court hierarchy. This means that the doctrine of precedent does not apply to it.

I also have a theory that this is the reason why individuals have a limited right to appeal when approaching VCAT as a dispute resolution body.

[J_Rho]

How do plea negotiations and sentence indications uphold the principles of justice?

[wasabi]

How do plea negotiations and sentence indications uphold the principles of justice?

Plea negotiations and sentence indications can help to uphold the principles of justice by:
- reducing delays in the justice system, if a guilty plea is achieved (improving access)
- if a guilty plea is achieved, it avoids trial which lets victims avoid the stress from a trial, making it easier for them (improving fairness and access for the victims)
- offenders may plead guilty even if a conviction at trial is unlikely, especially in high profile crimes (improving fairness for society)
-  can also achieve equality as everyone has the same process

They can also hinder the poj, as:
- an offender may plead guilty when they are not if they receive a non-custodial sentence indication, out of fear of going to trial and receiving a custodial sentence (hinders fairness)
- victims may feel as though their views weren't taken as much into account as they would be in a normal trial (hinders fairness and access)

Lmk if any of that was unclear/if you need more info lol

[hmv19]

Can anyone explain totality to me?? The Edrolo chick only explained proportionality
(Image removed from quote.)

The sentencing principle of totality entails the concept in which an aggregate sentence must correlate with and be appropriate for the overall offending behaviour. For example, a person charged with aggravated armed robbery and burglary in the Magistrates' Court may be given a four-year custodial sentence. The MC can only sentence an individual to a maximum of five years' imprisonment for multiple offences and a maximum of two years' imprisonment for each individual charge.

Hope this helps

[Bailey_Rapp]

Hi, I'm a year 11 currently doing Unit 3&4 legal and I need help currently I've got my S but I'm not doing so well does anyone have any advice? I really struggle at answering questions over four marks. Any good resources anyone can recommend?? I'd really appreciate it. Good luck to everyone else doing VCE especially the year 12's

[J_Rho]

Hi, I'm a year 11 currently doing Unit 3&4 legal and I need help currently I've got my S but I'm not doing so well does anyone have any advice? I really struggle at answering questions over four marks. Any good resources anyone can recommend?? I'd really appreciate it. Good luck to everyone else doing VCE especially the year 12's

If your issue is with the content I would recommend Anki or Memrise, both of which use spaced repetition. This will help in memorising content however if you know the content but struggle w/ how to answer questions then this might be useful.
Here's some advice I was given by a past student relating to different task words, now this isn't foolproof but its a general guide to help you make sure you are hitting the key points (ie. answer, explanation, link to stimulus material, pros/cons etc) for the different types of task words:

Outline, describe, explain, identify
Will be 2-3 mark questions
Looking for:
One sentence answer to the question
Explanation
Minimum 2 sentences

1 point: definition/answer the question
½ point: explanation
½ points: use of stimulus material (if applicable)
Discuss
Can be 4-6 mark questions
Looking for:
Definition/answer the question (possibly asking about 2 key concepts)
Explanation
Advantages and disadvantages (Must explore the pros and cons of the question)

1 point: definition/answer the question
2 points: advantages x2
2 points: disadvantages x2
1 point: using the stimulus material
Distinguish
Will be a 4-6 mark question
Similar to discuss
About comparing 2 different concepts
Looking for:
Key concept number 1
Key concept number 2
Comparative language (in contrast, conversely, on the other hand, similarly)
Use of stimulus material

1 point: concept 1
1 point: concept 2
(distinguish between 2 different characteristics)
1 point: link the two with comparative language
1 point: use of stimulus material
(of it is a 6 mark question it mean you have to distinguish between 3 different characteristics)
Discuss
Can also be a 10 mark question
Requires more detail, a longer answer and more points
At least 3 points for, 3 points against and detailed explanation
Evaluate
Similar to discuss
Very similar to an essay like structure
Looking for:
Introduction: give an answer the the question, like a contention in English
3-4 points for advantageous
3-4 points for disadvantages (if you only do 2 for each you looking for a max 8/10
MUST END IN ULTIMATELY!!!
The difference between ‘discuss’ and ‘evaluate’ is that ‘evaluate’ requires a conclusion. Use ultimately as the beginning of your conclusion
You must come to a verdict (like a judge!)
 
1 point: answer the question
3 point: 3-4 advantages
3 points: 3-4 disadvantages
1 point: a conclusion
1 point: use of stimulus material
1 point: for a question this long, it will be a combination of structure, flow of your writing or the detail of your explanations
to what extent’(these questions usually have a second task word)
When answering a ‘to what extent question’ it is as simple as answering:   
To a significant/minimal/medium extent…
Of course, you need to follow up with answering question as well

Hopefully, this made sense?

[datdoe9]

How are you all faring with time management in your exams? I feel that time management is going to be most important this year in the exam, even over content fluency ( mainly because everyone would be relatively comfortable with their knowledge of the textbook - it will more so be who can finish in time)

[bucky1624]

i struggle with time management the most in legal, i'm so worried i won't finish the exam in time

[datdoe9]

I know right! I don't know how I'll manage reading through all the sources and writing in time simultaneously

[shukrn]

Hey ya'll how did you go on the exam

[amanaazim]

hey guys i have some questions on plea negotiations.


1. is plea negotiations for indictable offences or both summary and indictable offences?
2. after a plea negotiation is made who decides to sentence the accused with the new charge that the accused has pleaded too?

[AlannahBottino]

Hey guys,
I'm confused about what we need to know for the recent and recommended reforms to the criminal justice system? Do we need to know one each for addressing cost, time and cultural factors? Or just in general how they uphold the principles of justice? My textbook is talking about Victim Support Dogs and changes to commital proceedings for sexual offence matters, which don't really apply to any of the cost, time or cultural factors?

Thanks