How effective are case studies?

Successful educators know that learning is best done through experience. Real life experiences coupled with educational theory and sound research practices support this claim. What students are taught in the classroom should connect to real life. To prepare students for the world outside the classroom, teachers need to develop students who will leave high school and become engaged in the multifactorial challenges that exist in our national and international community. Students’ learning should be authentic and reflect the complexities and ambiguities of real life.

Case studies aim to develop students’ knowledge, understanding and critical thinking skills in relation to the Australian legal system, as well as its effectiveness in promoting a just and fair society by capturing a range of perspectives. Their purpose aim is to foster engagement in students and have them grow up insisting that rule of law principles are important and must be protected and maintained.

The Rule of Law Education Centre is committed to educating teachers, students and the broader community about rule of law principles with the ultimate aim of creating active, engaged Australian and global citizens. If people do not know what the rule of law is or what it means to them, then that is exactly why it must be taught, and from an early age. Rule of law principles are important for all Australians to value and uphold, not just during their thirteen years of formal education, but for life.

Case Studies

Media and Social Media

the influence of media and social media on the justice process, from investigation post trial outcomes. Of particular importance was the impact that official and unofficial commentary and reporting has on the achievement of presumption of innocence, fair and prompt trials, knowledge and accessibility and free and open criticism. Click here

Skaf Case Note

Brothers Bilal and Mohammed Skaf, dubbed the ‘Skaf Rapists’, were involved in a number of gang rapes across Sydney in the early 2000s. Mohammed Skaf’s recent release on parole on October 6, 2021, after 22 years in prison, has reignited a media debate about the adequacy of his sentence and whether he should have been allowed out into society on parole. Click here

Penalties for Breaching Covid-19 Restrictions in WA

Supreme Court of WA considered the penalties of breaking COVID directions after an unnamed woman was convicted for breaching Quarantine orders while picnicking with her terminally ill father. Click here

Keli Lane Case Note

What was the law behind the Keli Lane Case? What did the evidence say? What was the role of the judge and jury? Why didn’t Keli Lane speak about Tegan? Why did the appeal fail? Read our case note to understand more

Claremont Serial Killings

Claremont Serial Killing Case note looks at beyond reasonable doubt, propensity evidence and the rule of law. Click here

Pell v Queen

A Case Summary the highlighting relevant rule of law principles such as beyond reasonable doubt and quotations from the case. Click here

Legal Literacy

A resource to guide students through the ILAC legal literacy scaffold. Includes examples of legal issues and activities to develop and practice their reasoning skills. Click here

Access to Justice

Case studies about access to justice, including the important Dietrich case along with discussion about self-represented litigants, apprehended bias and pro-bono cases. Click here

Bail Laws

How are bail decisions made in NSW? What is the case law and what is the role of bail in NSW criminal justice system. Click here

The Constitution

Detailed analysis of the underlying principles of the Constitution, separation of powers, division of powers and human rights. Includes links to further case studies, resources and posters. Click here