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How effective are case studies?
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
Defamation Laws
Social media: a very public forum for very private thoughts about others. Australian case law on Words and Pictures, Facebook, Disappearing pictures, Emojis and Group Chats. Click here
Analysis of Defamation Law reform and the Geoffrey Rush Cash. Click here
Chris Dawson Case Note
The unsolved case regarding the disappearance over 40 year ago of Lynette Dawson became the subject of a globally acclaimed podcast ‘The Teacher’s Pet.’ As a result of media attention, the case was reopened and her husband at the time, Chris Dawson was found guilty of murder in 2022 by a judge alone trial. Click here
Baden-Clay Case Note
The trial of Gerard Baden-Clay for the murder of his wife Allison in 2012 was one of the most high-profit murder investigations and trials in the history of Queensland. This case note considers the criminal justice proess and what processes exist to ensure a fair trial and how the law addresses the expectations of victims and community in achieving a just outcome. Click here
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
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
Implied Freedom of Political Communication
How does the Australian Constitution provides protections for political speech? Click here
Human Rights- Cultural Burial and Migration
New Human Rights teaching resource on Cultural Burial Practices and Migration. Click here
Technology and the Law
Case studies an multiple resources to assist in teaching the topic area of technology and the law, including recent law reform. Click here
Mandatory Sentencing
New Mandatory Sentencing teaching resource for NSW, includes an ‘One Punch’ case note. Click here
Organised Crime
Our 2017 resource that outlines law reform responses to Organised Crime in NSW and Qld. The resource includes a case study on the VLAD laws. Click here
Sport and the Law
An older resource on Sport and the Law but still relevant for teachers looking for ideas. Click here
Racial Discrimination
Case studies about international and domestic legal responses to the issue of racial discrimination and human rights. Click here