NCEA Level 3 Legal Studies

NCEA Level 2 Legal Studies is available through Te Kura.

What is Legal Studies?

Legal Studies covers a broad range of topics and aims to provide an understanding of the role of law in society and the basic processes and principles of the New Zealand legal system. Legal Studies explores and evaluates the ability of the legal system to provide just outcomes for all individuals and groups, giving ākonga a better understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities. Students will develop an appreciation of how the legal system impacts on their lives and how they can influence and change it. This subject can lead to a range of possible careers including the legal profession, business, government service or agencies.

What this course involves

At this level, students will be able to evaluate concepts, principles, and systems and processes of the New Zealand and other legal systems. They will explore the application of a concept of law such as crime or natural justice to real situations. Students study formal means of challenging state power, such as the Ombudsman used in New Zealand and evaluate a law making process associated with a major issue such as film production in New Zealand.

Other major areas of law covered include concepts of democracy and government and different concepts of justice. Students have the opportunity to evaluate particular legislation, legal cases and legal issues of interest to them, as part of the assessment requirements of the course.