Civics and citizenship / Year 10 / Civics and Citizenship Knowledge and Understanding / Laws and citizens

Curriculum content descriptions

The role of the High Court, including in interpreting the Constitution (ACHCK092)

Elaborations
  • examining the jurisdiction of the High Court
  • exploring an example of a High Court judgement in interpreting and applying Australian law, such as the Mabo decision or the construction of the Hindmarsh Island Bridge
General capabilities
  • Ethical understanding Ethical understanding
ScOT terms

Appeal,  Constitutional law,  Courts

Text

Year 10: Justice at home and overseas

This collection of resource sheets support students to understand key features and values of Australia's system of government and the role of the High Court with a focus on the Western Australian legal system. The resources include a comparison between key features of the Australian and Indonesian systems of government. ...

Text

The Conversation: the Australian Constitution

A series of explanatory articles about how the Australian constitution is interpreted and its impact on the legal system and legislature. The series includes practical examples of when and how it has been applied, constitutional challenges including the issues surrounding indigenous recognition. Articles are authored by ...

Text

Government

This fact sheet explores the role and functions of the Australian Government, including who is in the government, how it is formed, minority government and the principle of responsible government.

Text

Three levels of government: governing Australia

In Australia the three levels of government work together to provide us with the services we need. This webpage provides a detailed explanation of the roles and responsibilities of each level, how they raise money and how they work together. Case studies show how the powers of the Australian Parliament have expanded.

Text

Separation of powers

The principle of the separation of powers distributes the power to govern between the Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary. This fact sheet examines the role of each group and the related principle of responsible government.

Text

Refugee analysis from The Conversation

This is a collection of 200+ articles about refugees. It includes articles about the Australian government’s refugee policy over time, policies and approaches internationally, articles on the western Europe migrant crisis of 2015, “explainers” on why refugee intake number vary across Europe, and a long-read essay by Julian ...

Text

Cabinet

Cabinet is the top-level decision-making group within the Australian Government. Find out more about who is in Cabinet and how it works with this fact sheet.

Online

The Conversation: human rights

This resource contains a series of articles that examine the legal and ethical issues around human rights in Australia and internationally, including recent practical examples. The resource can be used to provide examples of human rights in Australia and the international community, including discussions of its relationship ...

Text

The Conversation: Australian Law

This resource contains a series of explanatory articles about Australian law, and how it interacts with a variety of subjects such as indigenous law, state vs federal, and the constitution. It can be used to develop a broad understanding of Australian law.

Text

The Conversation - Indigenous collection

This is a series of short journalistic articles written by academic experts and researchers that provide facts, commentary, and independent analysis about issues, policies and culture relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The articles support student investigations and in-depth studies of issues relevant ...

Text

Australian Constitution online

Browse the complete text of the Australian Constitution with this easy-to use website. It includes a detailed overview by the Australian Government Solicitor and a 2:26 min video snapshot about the Constitution and its role in the governance of the Australian nation.

Text

Gender equality analysis from The Conversation

This is a collection of 40+ articles about gender equality. It includes articles about women in corporate leadership, work-life balance for men and women, policy responses to domestic violence in South Africa, the implications of gender bias in higher education, role of childcare in promoting equality and others. The articles ...

Text

Drug Crime and the Law

This sequence of four lesson ideas focuses on the concept that Australia's social wellbeing is enhanced when individuals understand the behaviours and laws associated with being responsible citizens, and report signs of illicit criminal drug activity to the appropriate authorities. This resource provides the opportunity ...

Downloadable

Aboriginal change makers

Aboriginal history, self-determination and identity are examined in this teaching and learning eBook. The book draws on the lived experience of First Nations peoples drawing on historical record, cultural protocols and community connections to explore perspectives on traditional culture and leadership in the face of colonisation. ...

Text

Wildlife crime and the law

This sequence of five lesson ideas focuses on the concept that Australia's biosecurity and environmental wellbeing are enhanced when individuals understand the behaviours, rules and laws associated with being an environmentally responsible citizen. The resource provides students with the opportunity to explore how Australia’s ...

Text

The Conversation: class in Australia collection

This collection of short articles critically examine the topic of class in Australia, asking whether it exists and examining relationship between class and aspects such as health, where you live, gender, income inequality and others. The articles support student investigations and in-depth studies of issues relevant for ...