Finding up-to-date and interesting resources for your students can be hard. Victoria Law Foundation has made it easy by bringing them all together in one place. Search our database to find resources produced by the legal sector to support your teaching in Civics & Citizenship and VCE Legal Studies.
Have a look at what the Foundation publishes.
This fact sheet explains how the processes and structure of the County Court uphold the principles of justice in criminal and civil law.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This fact sheet gives an overview of the role of the County Court of Victoria, including its history, the kinds of cases the Court deals with and the laws that the Court must apply in making decisions.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This fact sheet discusses the concept of the law reform, its relationship with the County Court and recent law reforms.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This fact sheet gives an overview of the work of the County Court and the key personnel who are involved or affected by the work of the County Court.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This fact sheet includes the trial process in the criminal jurisdiction of the County Court, a recent County Court case and law reform.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This fact sheet explains process of a civil trial of the County Court, including discussion of some recent County Court cases and law reform.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This fact sheet focuses on the rights and roles of victims when cases come before the County Court in the criminal justice system.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This fact sheet explores how mental illness is dealt with in the criminal law and the procedure in cases before the County Court.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This fact sheet explains the importance and elements of access to justice, as well as barriers that some people in the community face in accessing justice.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This fact sheet explains the way in which our legal and human rights are protected in the Victorian legal system.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This fact sheet explains the appointment, role and powers of judges in the Victorian legal system.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This fact sheet explores the County Koori Court, the first Australian sentencing court for Aboriginal offenders in a higher jurisdiction.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
The material includes the Judge’s decision and orders as well as other relevant documents that provide background and context, such as the Summary of Prosecution Opening and submissions.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This episode describes the details of a matter involving dangerous driving causing death and also focuses on the rights of the accused.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This episode outlines what the prosecution will argue in matter involving dangerous driving causing death and what might be the case for the defence. The role of the jury is also outlined.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This episode focuses on the sentencing process and the impact of offending on both the offender and the victim’s family.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This episode can be used by teachers and students to apply the elements of the civil law of negligence to the facts of a scenario and to explore possible defences.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This series involves tracks the progress of a criminal law matter involving dangerous driving causing death. This episode introduces key personnel in the criminal courtroom.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
Take a virtual tour of the County Court.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This episode outlines the mediation process and explores the pre-trial procedure of discovery of documents.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This episode focuses on the role of a jury in a civil matter and on the process of determining damages.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This fact sheet explores the various careers available in the legal profession for students.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This fact sheet explains how a law is made in Victoria and also includes a diagram of how a bill becomes a law.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
Explore the process of a Bill becoming a Law with this interactive journey.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
A series of lesson plans designed for VCE Legal Studies teachers relating to the Roles of the Crown and Houses of Parliament.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
Learning activities for students undertaking Unit 4 VCE Legal Studies. This includes an explanation of the roles of the crown and houses of parliament.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
A series of lesson plans designed for VCE Legal Studies teachers relating to the People, the Parliament and the Courts.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This sheet focuses on the role parliamentary committees play in law reform. This meets the requirements of VCE Legal Studies Unit 4: The People, the Parliament and the Courts, Area of Study 2, outcome 2.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This sheet explores law reform, road and community safety committee’s inquiry into lowering the driving age in Victoria.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
A Standing Committee is appointed for the length of a parliamentary term to investigate a number of different issues in particular subject areas. This sheet explores the Legal and Social Issues Committee’s Inquiry into end of life choices.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
This sheet provides a useful guide on how students can properly evaluate the role that one parliamentary committee can play in influencing law reform.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
The Legal and Social Issues Committee is a Standing Committee of the Legislative Council. One of their inquiries was into medically supervised injecting centres.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
The Murray Mallee Community Legal Service has developed two friendly and easy to follow videos for teens with an intellectual disability, or on the Autism spectrum, on the topics of sexual consent and sexting.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
The County Court Schools Program seeks to provide VCE Legal Studies students with a first-hand experience of the Victorian justice system. Students participating in the program are provided with a unique opportunity to meet and interact with a County Court judge and observe a proceeding before the court.
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
Accurate at: 23 January, 2019
New County Court resources for Legal Studies teachers and students which includes fact sheets, films, virtual tour and case studies.
Accurate at: 19 December, 2018
Case summaries of selected Commercial Division decisions from the County Court of Victoria.
Accurate at: 19 December, 2018
Summaries of sentencing decisions for indictable crimes, such as serious drug offences, sex offences, violent offences, driving offences and fraud and dishonesty offences.
Accurate at: 19 December, 2018
14 fact sheets covering a broad range of the County Court's work. Each directly responds to the VCE Legal Studies curriculum.
Accurate at: 19 December, 2018
This series tracks the progress of a civil law matter involving a workplace injury. It introduces key stakeholders in the civil courtroom.
Accurate at: 19 December, 2018
Parliament's VCE Legal Studies resources page where there is a series of new lesson plans addressing the relevant parts of the new curriculum.
Accurate at: 19 December, 2018
Watch five brief videos about the historic and contemporary role of the Victorian Governor and of Victoria’s heritage-listed Government House.
Accurate at: 19 December, 2018
Study notes which are particularly relevant to students studying Civics and Citizenship. It includes classroom activities, questions and answers and case studies. Prepared by Jim Ouliaris at Comview 2018.
Accurate at: 19 December, 2018
A quick guide to three types of dispute resolution: arbitration, conciliation and mediation.
Accurate at: 19 December, 2018
The County Court has made eight short films tracking the progress of a criminal and civil case. Each directly relates to the VCE Legal Studies curriculum.
Accurate at: 19 December, 2018
A study guide specifically designed for VCE Legal Studies teachers and students. It also provides fresh insights into the operation of the County Court of Victoria and the legal system.
Accurate at: 12 December, 2018
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has agreed to implement all 227 recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence report, calling it an overhaul of a ‘broken’ family violence system.
Accurate at: 6 November, 2018
All the talk about the Magna Carta, on its 800th anniversary, reminds us of the scene in The Castle where the lawyer sums up his case by saying that ‘It’s justice, it’s law, it’s the vibe’.
Accurate at: 6 November, 2018
You have a dispute with the neighbours. How can the Dispute Settlement Centre help?
Accurate at: 6 November, 2018
In a first-in-Australia approach to family violence, a task force of 20 Muslim women will help raise awareness of the issue in their communities and connect women to legal services.
Accurate at: 6 November, 2018
A quick video about Community legal centres
Accurate at: 6 November, 2018
A fall-out with a neighbour over things like a fence, loud noise or overhanging trees can quickly become unpleasant and stressful.
Accurate at: 6 November, 2018
If you were the judge, how would you sentence a person who broke the law?
Accurate at: 6 November, 2018
Videos created with and for communities affected by forced marriage in Victoria.
Accurate at: 6 November, 2018
Juries Commissioner Paul Dore explains the relationship between juries and the role of social media.
Accurate at: 6 November, 2018
Learn more about the historial significance of the Old High Court of Australia building.
Accurate at: 6 November, 2018
Find out more about Youthlaw, Victoria’s free community legal centre for young people under 25.
Accurate at: 6 November, 2018
The role of Court Network and its impact on victims in the criminal justice system.
Accurate at: 6 November, 2018
Learn about the role of the Coroners Court and its relationship with the justice system.
Accurate at: 6 November, 2018
Study notes for Unit 2 Legal Studies students
Accurate at: 30 October, 2018
Article outlining five key points from the Mabo decision, demonstrating a historic moment of an individual using the court system to influence law reform by helping establish the groundwork for the enactment of the Native Title Act (1993)
Accurate at: 9 September, 2018
An article explaining the impact of the Tampa Affair 2001 and in particular its role in establishing Australia's current asylum seeker policy, a case study of how law reform may be caused
Accurate at: 9 September, 2018
The statute that established the VLRC, of particular importance is Part 2 Section 5 Functions of the Commission - Good companion to the Law Talks 2018 VLRC video.
Accurate at: 9 September, 2018
Video made by the Victorian Ombudsman that outlines their function as an independent investigative body - an example of how an individual can become involved in the law making process in a non-traditional way.
Accurate at: 9 September, 2018
Victorian Ombudsman report into a State Government Department's conduct - good companion to Deborah Glass' Law Talks
Accurate at: 9 September, 2018
Deborah Glass discusses the scope of her work as the current Victorian Ombudsman
Accurate at: 9 September, 2018
Opinion piece questioning the degree of representation in Australia
Accurate at: 22 August, 2018
Case study demonstrating the role of the VLRC and how it investigates the need for reform in the law
Accurate at: 22 August, 2018
Article discussing how Donoghue v Stevenson set the precedents that would form modern-day negligence tort law.
Accurate at: 22 August, 2018
A brief video outlining the facts of the case, and the three legal precedents that came about from it.
Accurate at: 22 August, 2018
Message from the Victorian Government on how it has responded to the recommendations of the RC one year on from the report's publication
Accurate at: 22 August, 2018
Lists the recommendations from the Royal Commission report on Family Violence, as well as updates on whether these recommendations have been implemented, useful representation of the lengthy process of responding to the need for law reform
Accurate at: 22 August, 2018
Discussion of the principles of statutory construction and their application, as well as four recent High Court Cases demonstrating the operation of statutory interpretation
Accurate at: 22 August, 2018
Describes the separate roles of the judiciary, executive, and legislature within the context of the separation of powers doctrine contained within the Constitution.
Accurate at: 21 August, 2018
Goes into detail regarding the legislative powers of Parliament, in particular outlining its executive, concurrent, and residual powers.
Accurate at: 21 August, 2018
Explains the evolution of the Australian Senate and Bicameral Representation
Accurate at: 21 August, 2018
Details the various roles of the HC including to interpret the Constitution.
Accurate at: 21 August, 2018
A summary of the High Court ruling that ACT's same-sex marriage laws were unconstitutional in 2013.
Accurate at: 21 August, 2018
Resource on the processes and histories of Referendums and Plebiscites
Accurate at: 21 August, 2018
In-depth explanation of both processes
Accurate at: 21 August, 2018
Summary of the impact of Roach v AEC and Commonwealth of Australia
Accurate at: 21 August, 2018
Summary of the decision in Monis v The Queen
Accurate at: 21 August, 2018
Table outlining the history of Australian referendums
Accurate at: 21 August, 2018
Two case examples of the High Court dismissing challenges under s 51
Accurate at: 21 August, 2018
Outlines the referendum process and includes a complete list of all referendums and their outcomes.
Accurate at: 21 August, 2018
Contains a summary of the most important cases on the external affairs power and how it is used to implement international treaty obligations (paragraphs 5.3-5.61); summary of the extent of the Commonwealth's external affairs power (paragraphs 5.62-5.65)
Accurate at: 21 August, 2018
A list of short educational videos that summarily examine various important aspects of the Australian Government, including the Constitution, the roles of the various houses, and how bills are passed.
Accurate at: 21 August, 2018
Range of publications, covering a variety of topics including issues regarding youth access to justice in the south-east of Melbourne.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
Resources for dealing with Infringements (focusing on migration law impacts), and motor vehicle accidents, and newly arrived and refugee employment law.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
A comprehensive report, relevant areas: Review of the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 1996 (p. 18), demonstrating one of the stages involved in effecting reform to the law.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
Reference paper discussing what the role of victims should be in the criminal trial process, relevant areas: Justice (p. 14) discussing means through which justice may be achieved for victims of crime.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
Consultation paper addressing supplementary terms of reference re the report into victims of crime. In particular, addressing the operation and effectiveness of the Act and the VOCAT.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
Recommendations from the RC, relevant to study area regarding reforms, in particular addressing issues involving costs, time, and accessibility.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
Contextualises the role that RCs play in effecting reforms.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
Media Release from Premier Daniel Andrews regarding their proposed reforms of mandatory sentencing - example of recent reform attempts in order to further the principles of justice in sentencing.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
Article discussing the ineffectiveness of mandatory sentencing - critical analysis of recent reforms of the criminal justice system and how they do not achieve the principles of justice.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
Rob Hulls' speech about his professional journey - relevant segment of discussion regarding Rob Hulls' efforts to establish both the Koori Court and Drug Court begin at approx. 17m.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
Fact sheets for a variety of areas of law including bankruptcy, fair work, and human rights and discrimination.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
A resource designed at educating the public on current consumer law related issues, including private car parking fines and repurchase ACL proceedings repurchase of faulty/unsafe/damaged/or wrongly advertised goods.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
Practice notes regarding various processes in VCAT, for example Civil Claims List General Procedures.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
General advice for consumers covering several topics including insolvency, lodging complaints, and superannuation and interests.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
A resource providing information regarding mediation processes involving children and parenting matters after separation.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
Paper addressing access to justice, relevant area: Terms of reference - Access to justice, which outlines the importance of AoJ and the factors that influence the community's access to justice.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
Fact sheets regarding some of the Ombudsman's services and functions.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
Access point to Ombudsman publications, including parliamentary and annual reports, fact sheets, guides, and action plans.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
Review to modernise the Adoption Act 1984, demonstrating the pre-reform investigatory stage within the context of adoption laws.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
Paper addressing access to justice, relevant area: Terms of reference - Access to justice, which outlines the importance of AoJ and the factors that influence the community's access to justice.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
Paper discussing the issue of neighbour tree disputes, relevant areas include: 3. Resolving neighbourhood tree disputes in Victoria, which helps illustrate various civil dispute resolution methods in a practical context.
Accurate at: 14 August, 2018
A comprehensive resource on the 'presumption of innocence'.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Comprehensive analysis on strict liability in Commonwealth offences.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Comprehensive analysis on operation of burden of proof in Australia and other overseas jurisdictions.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Direction notes for judges on the 'standard of proof' in civil cases.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Direction notes for judges on the 'standard of proof' in criminal cases.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Definition and examples of summary and indictable offences.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
A comprehensive resource to aid in researching the elements, defences, and origins of a criminal offence.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
A comprehensive resource to aid in researching the elements, defences, and origins of a civil offence.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Summary of sentencing principles, sentencing purposes and factors considered when sentencing.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Overview of the Koori Court - an alternative approach to sentencing.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Overview of the Drug Court - an alternative approach to sentencing.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
A comprehensive resource on different methods of ADR, their characteristics and to use them.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Comprehensive resource for 'fairness' as a principle for justice.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
A comprehensive resource for 'equality' as a principle for justice.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Definition of civil law and current Victorian civil law reforms.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Summary of the Victorian Charter and how it operates to protect human rights.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Summary of the relationship between Australia and international human rights treaties.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Transcript of a speech delivered by French CJ on the Constitution and human rights.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Website with comprehensive links to different human rights and their operation in Australia.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Principles directing the implementation of CCOs, as opposed to other sentencing options, as per the Guideline Judgement Boulton v The Queen VSCA
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Details regarding the Criminal Division of the Children's Court - statistical profile of sentences, identifies changes over a decade, and data regarding young offenders in the higher courts.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Judicial College of Victoria manual on sentencing, of particular use are:
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Overview of sentencing principles, purposes, and aggravating/mitigating factors to be considered during sentencing.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Publications addressing covering several topics about Aboriginal legal services, relevant regarding discussion regarding reform challenges due to historical and cultural reasons.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Direction regarding the sentencing processes for various offences including murder, manslaughter etc.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Direction regarding the implementation of different sanctions options.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Basic summary of the characteristics of statute, common law, constitution and courts.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Introduces the role of CLCs; area of relevance is Case Study - Central Highlands Community Legal Centre which outlines the case work of a CLC based in Ballarat.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
DLC is an example of a community legal centre that provides free legal advice to members of the community who are financially disadvantaged or otherwise experiencing difficulties accessing justice.
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Summary of different ways rights are protected in Australian Law (NOTE: resource from 2006)
Accurate at: 13 August, 2018
Characteristics of an effective law in a Western Australian context, with examples.
Accurate at: 6 August, 2018
Comprehensive resource for 'fairness' as a principle for justice.
Accurate at: 6 August, 2018
Comprehensive resource for 'equality' as a principle for justice.
Accurate at: 6 August, 2018
Process of how laws are made in Commonwealth Parliament.
Accurate at: 6 August, 2018
Process of how laws are made in Victorian Parliament.
Accurate at: 6 August, 2018
Summary of the different Victorian courts and tribunals.
Accurate at: 6 August, 2018
Definition of criminal law and current Victorian criminal law reforms.
Accurate at: 6 August, 2018
An easy-to-understand introduction to the legal system in Victoria. It explains where laws come from, as well as the role of courts and other legal organisations that make up Victoria's justice system.
Published: 2018
Coroner Caitlin English of the Coroners Court of Victoria discusses the differences between the adversarial and inquisitorial systems, and explains how the Coroners Court fits in. She provides examples of how the Coroners Court contributes to public health and safety.
Accurate at: 21 February, 2018
Shared features of adversarial and inquisitorial systems. Death rates in Victoria, causes of death, and when deaths are reported to the Coroners Court.
Accurate at: 21 February, 2018
Coroner Caitlin English explains how the Azaria Chamberlain case resulted in changes to the ways Coroners Courts consider evidence.
Accurate at: 21 February, 2018
Coroner Caitlin English dicusses practical recommendations that Coroners Courts make to improve public health and safety.
Accurate at: 21 February, 2018
Coroner Caitlin English of the Coroners Court of Victoria discusses the differences between the adversarial and inquisitorial systems, and explains how the Coroners Court fits in. She provides examples of how the Coroners Court contributes to public health and safety.
Accurate at: 21 February, 2018
A selection of relevant review cases from VOCAT's website.
Accurate at: 5 February, 2018
VOCAT was established to acknowledge and provide financial assistance to victims of crime committed in Victoria, to assist them in their recovery from crime.
Accurate at: 5 February, 2018
Start exploring resources aligned to the Victorian Curriculum. Find Content Codes in the the more details section of each resource.
Accurate at: 5 February, 2018
Live web-streaming from the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council on sitting days.
Accurate at: 5 February, 2018
A selection of decisions published by the County Court of Victoria.
Accurate at: 5 February, 2018
Videos about EWOV - a free and independent dispute resolution body for Victorian energy and water customers.
Accurate at: 31 January, 2018
A fully scripted hearing designed to help students become familiar with the procedure for conducting a hearing in the Magistrates' Court of Victoria.
VCE unit 3, Area of study 1: The Victorian criminal justice system
Accurate at: 31 January, 2018
Videos on human rights.
Accurate at: 31 January, 2018
Rights of an accused in a criminal trial
Accurate at: 31 January, 2018
A kit for educators to assist young people to understand their legal rights and responsibilities and make informed decisions about sex and relationships.
The kit covers the following topics:
Developed by Victoria Legal Aid and Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre.
Accurate at: 31 January, 2018
The Victorian Ombudsman has a range of fact sheets available to the public which provide a guide to using the services of the office & general complaint handling advice.
Accurate at: 30 January, 2018
The Ombudsman may table investigation and other reports in Parliament. All such reports tabled by the Ombudsman can be found here.
Accurate at: 30 January, 2018
A series of videos showcasing the mock ADR processes can be found here
Accurate at: 30 January, 2018
Videos on resolving disputes via DSCV.
Accurate at: 30 January, 2018
Notes for Legal Studies students on the "People and the Australian Constitution" section of the 2018 Study Design.
Accurate at: 30 January, 2018
A few steps that can be taken right now which will pay off when it comes to the VCE Legal Studies examination.
Accurate at: 30 January, 2018
Video of Magistrates’ Court of Victoria’s Koori Court.
Accurate at: 16 January, 2018
Report: The Role of Victims of Crime in Criminal Justice System.
Published: 2018
Information on being granted a diversion program.
Accurate at: 16 January, 2018
Factsheets and Brochures for resolving disputes via TIO.
Published: 2018
Help students understand basic human rights concepts, the origins of modern human rights, and how human rights apply to everyday life.
Published: 2018
Provides students with the opportunity to explore the meaning of ‘rights’ and develop an understanding of human rights, and the responsibilities that complement them.
Published: 2018
Videos on how law is make, how parliament committees and elections work, democracy and legal systems.
Published: 2018
Help students understand the issues surrounding the forcible removal of Indigenous people in Australian history.
Published: 2018
Information and fact sheets on parliament and legal systems.
Published: 2018
Access to teacher resources including units, role-play lesson plans, parliamentary lesson plans, and mini-role play lesson plans.
Published: 2018
General Information on Drug Court (incuding brochures).
Accurate at: 16 January, 2018
What are the differences between laws made by parliaments and by judges?
Published: 2018
The purposes of bail and parole, and how they differ.
Accurate at: 15 January, 2018
How the role of the judge differs from that of the jury, and what factors are involved in sentencing.
Accurate at: 15 January, 2018
Why our legal system is based on proof, and how the standard of proof differs in criminal and civil courts.
Unit 1, Area of study 2: The presumption of innocence
Unit 3, Area of study 1: The Victorian criminal justice system
Unit 3, Area of study 2: The Victorian civil justice system
Accurate at: 20 December, 2017
The Hon. Philip Cummins explains the structure of the courts at state and federal levels.
Unit 2, Area of study 1: Sanctions
Accurate at: 20 December, 2017
The role of the jury, and how a jury decides the facts of the case.
Unit 2, Area of study 1
Unit 2, Area of study 2
Accurate at: 20 December, 2017
How proof is tested in courts.
Accurate at: 20 December, 2017
A searchable online sentencing statistics database for the Magistrates' Court and higher courts, covering most offences.
Accurate at: 13 December, 2017
Detailed sentencing statistics for select offences in the higher courts.
Accurate at: 13 December, 2017
Barrister Robert Richter QC discusses an alleged underworld crime case he worked on, and how intent can be proved. Former Supreme Court Justice Betty King talks about the role of the judge and jury in criminal cases.
Accurate at: 14 November, 2016
Professional mediator, Tim McFarlane talks about the alternative of settling out of court in mediation. Kimi Nishimura worked on the Kilmore East Kinglake Black Saturday bushfire case that settled out of court, she talks about why they decided to do that.
Accurate at: 14 November, 2016
Former Justice of the High Court Michael Kirby, Justice Susan Kenny, the Federal Court of Australia, and Justice Betty King, the Supreme Court of Victoria, talk about the nature of law and justice, its fluid and changing state.
Accurate at: 14 November, 2016
The Big Issue Classroom offers three tailored workshops for secondary students. Led by a skilled facilitator, each workshop is designed to provoke thought and discussion through engaging activities. The workshop also gives students the opportunity to hear from a guest speaker who has experienced homelessness, disadvantage or disability first-hand. Students will be encouraged to think about the future of their communities, and the actions they can take to promote social justice.
Workshop costs:
Note: Teachers will need to book
Accurate at: 14 November, 2016
The Big Issue eClassroom delivers interactive workshops online to secondary schools around Australia. The eClassroom follows a similar format to our face-to-face workshops, with secondary students hearing from a trained facilitator as well as a guest speaker who has experienced homelessness.
Workshop costs:
Note: Teachers will need to book
Accurate at: 14 November, 2016
Barristers Julian Burnside QC and Fiona McLeod SC explain how contracts work, and the importance of the Amadio case in changing the way courts intervene into contracts.
Accurate at: 14 November, 2016
Solicitor Peter Gordon reflects on the role of civil law and winning the first of the asbestos dust disease cases in Australia. Fiona Mcleod SC explains the corporate veil.
Accurate at: 14 November, 2016
Barrister Bryan Keon-Cohen QC talks about the stages of the Mabo case leading to the final Mabo decision at the High Court, which set a new precedent. Professor Larissa Behrendt compares this with international judgments that deal with Aboriginal peoples.
Accurate at: 14 November, 2016
Professor Cheryl Saunders talks about the 1975 Dismissal and some flaws in the Australian constitution, Professor Larissa Behrendt discusses the idea of sovereignty for Aboriginal Australians.
Accurate at: 14 November, 2016
Gautam Mukherji and Richard Lancaster SC talk about how a single piece of property can have various rights, for instance a designer bag, or even a song such as Men at Work’s 'Down Under'.
Accurate at: 14 November, 2016
Neil Young QC and Ron Merkel QC were opposite each other in a case about illegal speech, the case used the Racial Discrimination Act, and they discuss this law and freedom of speech.
Accurate at: 14 November, 2016
Barrister Julian Burnside QC, Former Justice of the High Court Michael Kirby and Justice Susan Kenny, the Federal Court of Australia, explain the adversarial system, its good and bad points.
Accurate at: 14 November, 2016
A kit for educators to assist young people to better understand their rights when dealing with police and Protective Services Officers (PSOs) in Victoria.
The kit covers the following topics:
Developed by Youthlaw and Victoria Legal Aid.
Published: 2016
A wide range of road safety education resources and programs available for secondary schools.
Published: 2016
The National Trust of Victoria's new Culpable Driving Court Room Drama looks at the case of a young man, Kim Tran, who was charged with culpable driving in the County Court. The case is based on a real case, but names, dates and details have been changed to maintain the confidentiality of the original participants. This program includes new video projections and an updated script. This courtroom drama was launched in February 2016 and was funded by a grant from the Victoria Law Foundation.
Accurate at: 22 February, 2016
A quick guide to sentencing explains the where, when, what, and how of sentencing in Victoria. Now in its second edition, the Quick guide has been updated to reflect changes to sentencing law in Victoria.
Accurate at: 27 January, 2016
A bike rider's guide to road rules in Victoria.
Accurate at: 29 November, 2015
The National Trust of Victoria, in partnership with the Gippsland Legal Service, has developed a courtroom drama entitled ‘Respect Me’, the purpose of which is to inform students of the dangers of inappropriate use of social media.
Accurate at: 19 November, 2015
Accurate at: 19 November, 2015
A range of resources developed to mark the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. Developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission the series of online educational resources explore the evolution of human rights since 1215 and the impact that Magna Carta has had on our human rights and freedoms in Australia.
The resources include:
Accurate at: 14 June, 2015
A 3D interactive tool for students to explore a court room. The activity includes key roles that function in a court. It is a fun, yet educational tool for introducing the machinations of a courtroom to students.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 1: Sanctions
Accurate at: 31 May, 2015
Connect with other teachers in your area through this independent teacher association. Also provides leadership, professional learning programs and resources for business educators.
Published: 2014
The Victorian Charter of Human Rights contains 20 basic rights that promote and protect the values of freedom, respect, equality and dignity. This includes rights in criminal proceedings, such as the right to trial and the presumption of innocence. Follow this link to find out who the Charter applies to and how it works.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 3: Rights
Published: 2014
Provides case studies that include a step-by-step description of the commission's law reform process. You can also organise a visit for your school and order or download resources for free.
VCE unit 4, Area of study 2: The people, the parliament and the courts
Published: 2014
Provides information on the processes in the Children's Court of Victoria. Includes virtual tours of the courtroom and videos of mock hearings of a criminal case and an intervention order.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 1: Sanctions
Published: 2014
Provides a range of education resources on the Victorian parliament and how it works. Includes information on tours.
VCE unit 1, Area of study 1: Legal foundations
VCE unit 4, Area of study 2: The people, the parliament and the courts
Published: 2014
Provides a range of activities, including Passport to Democracy, animations, games and factsheets, to help students understand the electoral process.
Published: 2014
Victoria's environmental regulator. Visit their website for information on Victoria's environment issues and for an overview of Victoria's environment legislation, the Environment Protection Act 1970.
VCE unit 1, Area of study 3: Civil liability
VCE unit 2, Area of study 2: Remedies
Published: 2014
Use the institute's database to search for cases and legislation across all jurisdictions.
Published: 2014
Provides a range of activities on the electoral process, including information on referendums, election facts and figures, elections maps and ballot paper templates. The resources on this site includes: factsheets, videos, activity sheets and more.
Published: 2014
Provides information on the court processes in a criminal case, including giving evidence and the various roles that people play in a hearing.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 1: Sanctions
Published: 2014
Provides educational information and academic articles on alternative dispute resolution methods, restorative justice, therapeutic jurisprudence and community justice.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 1: Sanctions
Published: 2014
These videos are intended to help Legal Studies students understand important legal principles. Topics covered include Australia's legal system, the jury system and alternative dispute resolution.
VCE unit 4, Area of study 2: The people, the parliament and the courts
Published: 2014
This report reviews three aspects of the jury empanelment process: peremptory challenges, calling of the panel in court by name or number, and the use of additional jurors.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 2: Remedies
Published: 2014
A website that draws together the best legal information produced across Victoria. Includes information on common legal problems, the legal system and articles explaining current legal issues.
Published: 2014
Provides a summary of employment law in Australia.
Published: 2014
Outlines the curriculum requirements in Victoria for VCE Legal Studies.
Published: 2014
A series of four case studies for students to discuss, consider and apply the principles of sentencing. Students move through the case studies and decide the sentence for each of the offenders before comparing their sentences with that of the actual judge. Supported by teacher notes.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 1: Sanctions
Published: 2014
You be the judge is a virtual tour that gives students the opportunity to participate in a sentencing hearing. There are four cases to choose from, all based on real-life matters. Students receive information from victims, offenders, prosecutors, defence lawyers and the judge before sentencing the offender. You be the judge: virtual tour is supported by You be the judge VCE teacher notes, available here.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 1: Sanctions
Published: 2014
Provides an overview of mediation: what it is, who can use it, what disputes can be mediated and the advantages of choosing mediation to resolve disputes.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 2: Remedies
VCE unit 3, Area of study 2: The Victorian civil justice system
Published: 2014
Provides information on the curriculum in Victoria. Search by subject to find relevant information.
Published: 2013
Helps resolve disputes between consumers and telephone or internet service providers. Visit this website for information and case studies.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 2: Remedies
Published: 2013
Aims to inform tenants about their rights when renting. Includes a range of publications on tenancy issues.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 2: Remedies
Published: 2013
Victoria's consumer affairs regulator. Find information on different areas of consumer law, including housing and accommodation, shopping and cars. You can also find videos on consumer law issues under the resources and education section.
VCE unit 1, Area of study 3: Civil liability
VCE unit 2, Area of study 2: Remedies
Published: 2013
Provides a good overview of the criminal investigation process. Includes information about different types of crime and going to court. Also includes videos.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 3: Rights
Published: 2013
Contains information about your rights when dealing with police, and covers topics such as arrest, being held in custody and searches.
Published: 2013
A guide explaining what to call a judge, magistrate or member of a tribunal when you are speaking or writing to them.
Published: 2013
An overview of the history, structure and role of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Published: 2013
Provides an overview of the 2013 High Court decision Attorney-General for South Australia v Corporation of the City of Adelaide, which concerns the freedom of political communication implied under the Constitution.
Note: Cannot be used as example
Published: 2013
A guide for people going to the Magistrates' Court. It provides a good overview of the minor criminal offences heard in the Magistrates' Court.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 1: Sanctions
Published: 2013
A documentary about a group of young inmates at Port Phillip Prison, a maximum security prison in Melbourne. Teachers can use this documentary to explore the role of incarceration as a criminal sanction.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 1: Sanctions
Published: 2012
This teacher kit contains the materials teachers need to deliver engaging classes on the principles of sentencing. Matched to VCE Legal Studies unit 2, it includes a teacher guide, four case studies and accompanying slides. This teacher kit is supported by the You be the judge: virtual tour.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 1: Sanctions
Published: 2012
This teacher kit contains the materials teachers need to deliver engaging classes on the principles of sentencing. Matched to the Year 9 and 10 curriculum, it includes a teacher guide, four case studies and accompanying slides. This teacher kit is supported by the You be the judge: virtual tour.
Published: 2012
Provides an overview of what human rights are and how they are protected in Victoria.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 3: Rights
Published: 2011
An overview of the history and current role of the County Court of Victoria.
Published: 2011
Five case studies to help students understand what civil liberties and human rights are, and how they are protected under the Constitution. Also includes a sample assessment task.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 3: Rights
Published: 2010
A fully scripted model mediation designed to show students the procedure for the mediation of a dispute. Based on the real case of Grant v Australian Knitting Mills Limited. Also demonstrates the effectiveness of mediation as a method of dispute resolution.
VCE unit 3, Area of study 2: The Victorian civil justice system
Published: 2010
This partly scripted model criminal trial helps students gain a practical insight into the rules of evidence and procedure of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
VCE unit 2, Area of study 1: Sanctions
Published: 2010
Visit this website to find out information on the Australian Consumer Law and its enforcement.
VCE unit 1, Area of study 3: Civil liability
VCE unit 3, Area of study 2: The Victorian civil justice system
Published: 2009
In this interview, the Honourable Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL, a former Australian prime minister, discusses what is meant by the separation of powers.
VCE unit 4, Area of study 1: The people and the Australian Constitution
Civics and Citizenship: Government and Democracy
Published: 2008
In this interview, Dr Nick Economou discusses the role of parliament and the process for passing laws in Australia.
Published: 2008
In this interview, prominent human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson QC discusses human rights and how they can be protected.
Published: 2008
In this interview, Professor Cheryl Saunders, one of Australia's leading experts in constitutional law, speaks about the role of the Constitution in Australia's legal system, including how the Constitution protects certain rights.
VCE unit 4, Area of Study 1: The people and the Australian Constitution
Published: 2008
In this interview, former Justice of the High Court, The Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG, discusses the role of the courts in Australia's legal system and explains the difference between common law and statute law.
Civics and citizenship: Laws and citizens
Published: 2008
Offers an in-depth look at the Australian Constitution. Find out how it was formed, its key features and the process to change it.
VCE unit 4, Area of study 1: The people and the Australian Constitution
A Commonwealth statutory authority that enforces competition and consumer law, and promotes competition and fair trading. This website provides a wealth of information on consumer law.
VCE unit 1, Area of study 3: Civil liability
VCE unit 2, Area of study 2: Remedies
VCE unit 2, Area of study 3: The law in focus
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