Legal Studies HSC practice questions

List two rights protected by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and give a brief example of how each right can be limited.

Analyse how the Family Law Act 1975 balances the best interests of the child with parental rights in custody disputes. Refer to at least three statutory considerations.

Outline the three steps the Family Court follows when dividing property on the breakdown of a de facto relationship.

Distinguish between voluntary and involuntary intoxication as defences, and indicate which is a complete defence for specific intent offences.

Discuss the role of the principle of proportionality in determining sentences for non‑violent offences in Australia. In your answer, consider how proportionality interacts with aggravating and mitigating factors.

Evaluate the effectiveness of the Australian Human Rights Commission in protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples. Include reference to at least two specific mechanisms or programmes.

Explain the difference between murder and manslaughter in terms of the required mental element (mens rea).

Identify two categories of expression that can be lawfully restricted in Australia and give one example of a restriction for each category.

State the number of permanent members of the UN Security Council and one power each permanent member holds.

Critically assess the impact of the doctrine of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) on state sovereignty since its adoption in 2005. In your answer, discuss both humanitarian benefits and sovereignty concerns.