Learning Outcomes
- Describe sources of contemporary Australian law - common law
- Understand how statute law is made including the structure of Parliament, the legislative process and delegated legislation
- Explain the division of powers in the Australian Constitution
- Explain the separation of powers in Australia’s system of government
- Explain the difference between the division and separation of powers in Australia
- Describe the role of parliamentary committees in law reform
- Describe the role of Members of Parliament in resolving disputes with the state
The Legal Studies and the Legislature programs at the Parliament of NSW are based on Part 1: The Legal System and Part II: The individual and the law of the Legal Studies Syllabus.
On a sitting day students participate in a workshop and visit the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council Chambers, observing the Parliament in action and, where possible, meet their member.
On non-sitting days students participate in a 90-minute workshop and then a 30-minute tour of the chambers.
Additionally, a video conference is available via Teams or ZOOM at a time suitable to the teacher between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm, during the school term.
Maximum group size: 50
Syllabus Links
Students who participate in Legal Studies and the Legislature will develop an understanding of the nature and functions of law through the examination of the law-making processes and institutions.
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Part 1: The legal system |
Part 2: The individual and the law |
| 1. Basic legal concepts • Customs, rules and law • Rule of law • Anarchy • Tyranny |
1. Your rights and responsibilities • the nature of individual rights • relationship between rights and responsibilities |
| 2. Sources of contemporary Australian law Common law • British origins Statute law • role and structure of parliament • legislative process • delegated legislation The constitution • division of powers • separation of powers |
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| 3. Classification of law | |
| 4. Law reform • conditions that give rise to law reform including changing social values, new concepts of justice • agencies of reform including parliamentary committees • mechanisms of reform including parliaments. Law reform in action (A) native title – Terra nullius (B) contemporary law reform issues. Bills and case studies from 2023 including • Anti-discrimination Amendment Bill • First Home Buyers Legislation Amendment Bill |
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Objectives A student develops knowledge and understanding about: |
Preliminary course outcomes A student: |
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1. the nature and institutions of domestic and international law |
P1. identifies and applies legal concepts and terminology |
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2. the operation of Australian legal systems and the significance of the rule of law |
P3. describes the operation of domestic legal systems |
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3. the interrelationship between law, justice and society and the changing nature of the law |
P6. explains the nature of the interrelationship between the legal system and society |
About This Program
Program options
| Program | Times | Content |
| Legal Studies and the Legislature on a sitting day. (Recommended) 120 mins |
Tuesday: 11:45am-1:45pm Wednesday & Thursday: 10 am – 12 pm |
Program presentation, observation of Question Time and chat with member (schedules allowing) |
| Legal Studies and the Legislature on a non-sitting day. (Subject to availability) 120 mins |
Monday and Friday: 9, 10 or 11 am Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 9, 10, 11 am, 12 or 1 pm |
Program presentation and short role play in each Chamber |
| Legal Studies and the Legislature Videoconference (Teams or ZOOM) 45-60 mins |
Teacher’s choice of time (between 8:30am-2:30pm) | Online program presentation |
How Can I Book?
Available sitting days 2025 when parliament is session. Please consult the Sitting Day Calendar (2025) for a complete list of dates.
During sitting weeks, Parliament sits on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
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Available Sitting dates for 2025 are: |
Question Time |
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Term 1 |
February 11, 12, 13 and 18, 19, 20 March 18, 19, 20 and 25, 26, 27 |
Legislative Assembly |
Legislative Council |
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Term 2 |
May 6, 7, 8, (13,14,15 LA only) 27, 28, 29 June 3, 4, 5, and 24, 25, 26 |
Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council |
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Term 3 |
August 5, 6, 7 September 9, 10, 11 and 16, 17, 18 |
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Term 4 |
October 14, 15, 16 and 21, 22, 23 November 11, 12, 13 and 18, 19, 20 |
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Bookings are essential.
- Please call us 0437 240 869 or
- Email us [email protected]
- Booking enquiry Legal 2025
- Regional, remote and rural schools (in electorates more than 120km from the Parliament of NSW) may be eligible for a travel subsidy. Click here to check your eligibility.
