Legal Studies HSC practice questions
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- Question 1Human rights3 marks
List two rights protected by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and give a brief example of how each right can be limited.
What a full answer covers
Mention the two rights, supply a concrete limitation for each, and note the legal test for permissible restrictions.
- Question 2Family law10 marks
Analyse how the Family Law Act 1975 balances the best interests of the child with parental rights in custody disputes. Refer to at least three statutory considerations.
What a full answer covers
State the best‑interest principle, outline three key considerations, explain parental rights and how orders work, discuss balancing, give a case illustration, note reforms, and end with an evaluation.
- Question 3Family law4 marks
Outline the three steps the Family Court follows when dividing property on the breakdown of a de facto relationship.
What a full answer covers
List the steps in order, briefly describing what each step involves.
- Question 4Crime3 marks
Distinguish between voluntary and involuntary intoxication as defences, and indicate which is a complete defence for specific intent offences.
What a full answer covers
Define each type, explain its relevance, and state which provides a full defence for specific intent crimes.
- Question 5Crime8 marks
Discuss the role of the principle of proportionality in determining sentences for non‑violent offences in Australia. In your answer, consider how proportionality interacts with aggravating and mitigating factors.
What a full answer covers
Define proportionality, outline its function, describe aggravating and mitigating factors, explain judicial balancing, give a case illustration, and finish with a brief evaluation.
- Question 6Human rights9 marks
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Australian Human Rights Commission in protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples. Include reference to at least two specific mechanisms or programmes.
What a full answer covers
Summarise the Commission’s remit, describe two key tools, evaluate outcomes, note criticisms, give an example, and finish with a balanced judgement.
- Question 7Crime3 marks
Explain the difference between murder and manslaughter in terms of the required mental element (mens rea).
What a full answer covers
State the mens rea for murder, then for manslaughter, and note how the difference affects liability and punishment.
- Question 8Human rights3 marks
Identify two categories of expression that can be lawfully restricted in Australia and give one example of a restriction for each category.
What a full answer covers
Name the two categories, give a concrete example of a law or case for each, and note the justification.
- Question 9World order2 marks
State the number of permanent members of the UN Security Council and one power each permanent member holds.
What a full answer covers
Give the count of permanent members and describe the veto right each possesses.
- Question 10World order11 marks
Critically assess the impact of the doctrine of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) on state sovereignty since its adoption in 2005. In your answer, discuss both humanitarian benefits and sovereignty concerns.
What a full answer covers
Define R2P, note its adoption, outline humanitarian aims, give an intervention case, discuss sovereignty concerns, note misuse criticisms, examine UN role, cite non‑action examples, assess legal shift, and finish with a balanced conclusion.
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