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Stage 2 | Subject outline | version control

Legal Studies Stage 2
Subject outline

Version 4.0
For teaching in Australian and SACE International schools from January 2023 to December 2023.
For teaching in SACE International schools only from May/June 2023 to March 2024 and from May/June 2024 to March 2025. Accredited in June 2020 for teaching at Stage 2 from 2021.
Accredited in June 2020 for teaching at Stage 2 from 2021. 

Stage 2 | Subject outline | Performance standards

Performance standards

Stage 2 performance standards for Legal Studies can be viewed below. You can also download in Word format [DOC 28KB].

To learn more about what performance standards are, how they are used, and other general information, see performance standards and grades.

  Understanding
and Application		 Analysis and Evaluation Communication
A

Perceptive understanding of the ways that the legal system balances competing tensions.

Astute application of legal principles and processes to specific contexts.

Thorough and focused research to select, apply, and appropriately acknowledge a range of relevant sources.

 Perceptive analysis and evaluation of concepts, legal principles, processes, or problems.

Insightful evaluation of arguments or issues to reach a convincing conclusion and/or make informed recommendations.		 Clear and effective communication of legal concepts, opinions, and arguments
B

Substantial understanding of the ways that the legal system balances competing tensions.

Proficient application of legal principles and processes to specific contexts.

Well-informed research to select and appropriately acknowledge a range of relevant sources.

Well-considered analysis and evaluation of concepts, legal principles, processes, or problems.

Well-considered evaluation of legal arguments or issues to reach a mostly convincing conclusion and/or make mostly informed recommendations.

Mostly clear and effective communication of legal concepts, opinions, and arguments.
C

Sound understanding of the ways that the legal system balances competing tensions.

Generally informed application of legal principles and processes to specific contexts.

Adequate research to select and appropriately acknowledge a range of relevant sources.

Adequate analysis and evaluation of concepts, legal principles, processes, or problems.

Sound evaluation of legal arguments or issues to reach a conclusion and/or make recommendations.

Generally effective communication of legal concepts, opinions, and arguments.
D

Some understanding of the ways that the legal system balances competing tensions.

Partial application of legal principles and processes to specific contexts.

Some research to select and appropriately acknowledge a range of relevant sources. 

Some analysis and evaluation of concepts, legal principles, processes, or problems.

Partial evaluation of legal arguments or issues to reach a conclusion and/or make recommendations. 

Some communication of legal concepts, opinions, and arguments. 
E

Limited understanding of the ways that the legal system balances competing tensions.

Limited application of legal principles and processes to specific contexts.

Rudimentary research, selection, and acknowledgement of a range of sources.

Limited analysis of concepts, legal principles, processes, or problems.

Limited consideration of legal arguments or issues to reach a vague or unsubstantiated conclusion and/or recommendation.

Limited communication of legal concepts, opinions, and arguments.