Information and resources

What is Co-Offending? - Motor Vehicle Crime

Many young people get into trouble, even if they are not the person breaking into the car and are just tagging along or keeping watch. If you don’t attempt to stop the offending or remove yourself from the situation, you are equally as responsible for the offence and can face the same consequences.

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Q&A with the Chief Judge

Chief Judge Peter Kidd talks about his journey to becoming a judge and answers questions from students about his experiences.

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Judges answer students' questions: Video

A panel of judges answer questions from students on a range of topics related to sentencing in a criminal proceeding at the County Court.

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The Impact of Poor Decisions - Motor Vehicle Crime

One poor decision can impact an entire community. This type of offending has a ripple effect on the lives and futures of the perpetrators, victims, families, and the wider community.

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What is Democracy? 2-minute summary.

Animated video provides an introduction to some of the key features of Australian democracy

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What She Makes…Is Keeping Her in Poverty

A civics and citizenship student resource, predominantly for Year 9 and 10, which covers a range of activities through an examination of topics

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What is the Australian Constitution? 2-minute summary.

An animated explainer video which provides an introduciton to the Australian Constitution

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What is the Neighbourhood Justice Centre?

This video contains interviews exploring the NJC, Australia's first and only community justice centre.

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The Legal Studies Guy

This website includes a short video lesson for every key knowledge point of the Unit 3&4 Legal Studies curriculum

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Inside the VLRC: How Victoria’s Law Reform Experts Shape Fairer Laws Together

In our first pre-recorded Online Law Talk for VCE Legal Studies students we speak with Nick Gadd, Communications Manager at the Victorian Law Reform Commission

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How Youthlaw Helps Young Victorians Navigate Legal Challenges and Build Better Futures

Youthlaw offers free legal support tailored for people under 25, helping young Victorians like Harry and Sally overcome legal issues before they escalate. Through outreach, clinics, and accessible online resources, Youthlaw empowers young people and those who support them to understand and assert their rights.

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You be the Judge: Virtual tour

You be the judge is a virtual tour that gives students the opportunity to participate in a sentencing hearing. There are four cases to choose from, all based on real-life matters. Students receive information from victims, offenders, prosecutors, defence lawyers and the judge before sentencing the offender. You be the judge: virtual tour is supported by You be the judge VCE teacher notes, available here.

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You be the Judge: Teachers' Kit

A series of four case studies for students to discuss, consider and apply the principles of sentencing. Students move through the case studies and decide the sentence for each of the offenders before comparing their sentences with that of the actual judge. Supported by teacher notes.

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Why Mandatory Sentencing Is Failing: ALRC Urges Change to Tackle Indigenous Over‑Incidence

Mandatory sentencing has been shown to increase incarceration rates without improving community safety, while removing the ability of courts to consider individual circumstances. The ALRC highlights how these laws disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recommends reform to create a fairer, more effective justice system.

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What do I call the judge?

Resource explaining how to properly address judges

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How You Can Have Your Say: A Simple Guide to Referendums and Plebiscites in Australia

In-depth explanation of both processes

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Understanding Voting in Australia: A Guide for Students

The Australian Electoral Commission's (AEC) "Voting in Australia" resource offers a comprehensive, 22-page guide designed to educate students about Australia's electoral system. It covers topics such as the evolution of Australian democracy, the process of electing federal representatives, and the significance of voting in a representative democracy.

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Victoria's courts and tribunals

Summary of the different Victorian courts and tribunals.

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Victoria's Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

Access the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Webpage

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Victorian Sentencing Manual 4th Edition

Directions regarding the implementation of different sanctions options and the sentencing processes for various offences including murder and manslaughter.

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Victorian Sentencing Manual

Judicial College of Victoria manual on sentencing, of particular use are: Topic: 6 Sentencing Principles, and Topic 7: Sentencing Purposes.

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Fun & Insightful Videos from the VLRC: See How Law Reform Works in Victoria

Explore engaging videos featuring VLRC leaders and experts discussing how law reform happens, current inquiries (like stalking law), and why it matters in everyday life. These bite-sized clips offer a clear, behind-the-scenes look at the people, processes, and impact of reform in Victoria.

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VCE Legal Studies - Criminal case scenario - Part 3

This Video contains a plea hearing and the sentencing of a criminal offender. It also highlights the role of the Victim Impact Statement

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Victorian Commercial Teachers Association

Connect with other teachers in your area through this independent teacher association. Also provides leadership, professional learning programs and resources for business educators

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