Power 

Power is a central concept in Legal Studies. Students develop an understanding of the extent and limitations of power held by each of the branches of government. The concept of power is analysed within the context of relationships — between branches of government, individuals and government, and between individuals themselves.

Students examine and/or analyse:

• how branches of government exercise power, and how that power is supervised
• how individuals exercise power
• the media: power, rights, and obligations in law.

Students may consider the following big questions:

• Does the Australian legal system favour the empowered?
• Do the factors that lead to the empowerment of leaders and groups need to be changed?
• Do the factors that inhibit empowerment for individuals and groups need to be changed?
• How accountable are the powerful? Is this level of accountability appropriate?
• Why do we have the laws that we do?
• How can power divide or connect society?