You be the Judge Teaching Materials Released
The Sentencing Advisory Council, in conjunction with the Curriculum Corporation, has adapted our very popular You be the Judge seminars into curriculum materials for VCE Legal Studies and Years 9 and 10 (VELS Level 6) teachers.
Originally developed as a community education program, You be the Judge aims to educate students about the purposes, methods and complexities of sentencing. The program uses real sentencing case studies which provide a vehicle for students to discuss and consider offences committed, apply the principles of sentencing and experience for themselves what’s involved in handing down a sentence.
The case studies concentrate on the sentencing phase of the legal process and are drawn from real cases in Victoria. In each of the trials showcased the defendant has been found guilty, hence interest focuses entirely upon the sentence imposed and the factors taken into account in each case.
Two case studies have been developed for VCE Legal Studies – one involving culpable driving and the other a series of armed robberies. One case study, involving a serious assault, has been developed for use in the Civics and Citizenship domain for Years 9 and 10.
Extra cases will be available from our website over time to keep the program interesting and contemporary. Feedback from teachers is welcome about the types of cases to include.
Who should use the kit?
You be the Judge will be a useful resource in VCE Legal Studies Unit 1 – Area of Study 1: Criminal Law and Area of Study 2: The Courtroom.
The kit has also been designed for use in the VELS Level 6 Civics and Citizenship domain for Years 9 and 10.
It provides excellent opportunities for students to learn about and evaluate the possible sanctions available and to appreciate the way judges go about applying such sanctions.
What’s included in the kit?
The kit includes a teachers guide and slide shows. The guide provides background notes on sentencing in the Victorian court system, preparation for presenting the case studies and links to relevant curriculum and other resources. The slide shows are accompanied by notes that include relevant statistics and information about sentencing for the crimes featured in the cases, suggested activities and possible assessment tasks.