Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Sign In Skip to Content

Advice to Teachers -
Legal Studies

Unit 3 – Area of Study 1: The Victorian criminal justice system

Outcome 1

Explain the rights of the accused and of victims in the criminal justice system, discuss the means used to determine criminal cases and evaluate the ability of the criminal justice system to achieve the principles of justice.

Examples of learning activities

  • Develop a glossary of key legal terms and definitions to be used throughout Unit 3.
  • Compile a series of news items reporting on a particular criminal case. Identify the various components that make up a criminal trial from these news reports. For example, name the court, key personnel, and charges and describe the evidence presented. Make a presentation to the class about the case.
  • Research a criminal case. Determine the extent to which the principles of justice have been achieved for both the victims and for accused persons in that case based on this research.
    • Example icon for advice for teachers
  • Develop a pamphlet for an accused person, providing information about the key aspects of the Victorian criminal justice system, an outline of each of the institutions available to assist them and the nature of the assistance available.
  • Write a letter to a friend who is a victim of a crime providing information about their rights. Describe the procedures within a criminal trial that are relevant to them. Include a description of key personnel in a criminal trial and their roles. Describe what a victim impact statement is, when this is heard and how it is considered by the judge/magistrate when sentencing a person found guilty of a crime in Victoria.
  • Construct a map or diagram depicting the Victorian court hierarchy as it applies to criminal cases. Highlight the jurisdiction of each court, including specialisation and appeals.
  • Visit a Victorian prison. Consider sanctions and their purpose. Consider and discuss the ability of the Victorian criminal justice system to achieve the principles of justice.
  • Participate in the Koori Court trial re-enactment at the Old Melbourne Gaol. Consider what factors might affect the ability of the Victorian criminal justice system to achieve the principles of justice. What reforms would possibly enhance these principles?
Example icon for advice for teachers

Detailed example

With a view to enhancing fairness, equality and accessibility in the Victorian criminal justice system, you have been asked to develop a pamphlet for someone who has been accused of a crime. It should be generic enough to apply to anybody, and any criminal offence in Victoria.

Consider the following:

A person accused of a crime would be under considerable stress. A clearly set out document written in plain English would be of considerable benefit to such a person.

The pamphlet must:

  • Outline the key aspects of the Victorian criminal justice system
  • Explain the rights of an accused person
  • Explain committal proceedings and their purpose
  • Explain plea negotiations and sentence indications and their purposes in determining criminal cases
  • Explain the roles of key personnel in a criminal trial
  • ​Provide at least five tips on how to achieve the best possible outcome from criminal proceedings.