STUDENT NAME
WARRACKNABEAL SECONDARY COLLEGE
UNIT 1 LEGAL STUDIES
Practice exam
Writing time: 90 minutes
Reading time: 10 minutes
QUESTION AND ANSWER BOOK
Structure of book
Number of questions
Number of questions
to be answered
Number of marks
13
13
45
Except if otherwise indicated, each question is worth one mark.
• You are permitted to use pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters, sharpeners and rulers.
• You are not permitted to refer to your own written material or to use a calculator, computer,
mobile phone or other electronic device.
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Instructions
Answer all questions in the space provided.
Principles of criminal liability
Question 1
The term “mens rea” means:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
the act of committing a crime (that is, a guilty act);
the intention to commit a crime (that is, a guilty mind);
the age under which a child cannot be held responsible for committing a crime; or
the right of male offenders to speak with a lawyer upon arrest.
Question 2
A child under this age can never be charged with committing a crime:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
6 years;
10 years;
16 years; or
18 years.
Question 3
The standard of proof in a criminal case means:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
the burden of proving that the defendant is guilty;
on the balance of probabilities;
beyond reasonable doubt; or
90%.
Crimes against the person and crimes against property
Question 4
Murder, assault and rape are all examples of:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
homicide;
crimes against property;
crimes against the person; or
civil wrongdoings.
Question 5
To successfully prove self-defence, an accused must show that she or he:
(a) had already been hit by the deceased;
(b) was physically smaller than the deceased;
(c) had a belief that it was necessary to act to defend themselves or another person from serious harm
or injury AND had reasonable grounds for this belief; or
(d) merely believed that it was necessary to act to defend themselves or another person from serious
harm or injury.
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Question 6
A person convicted of defensive homicide:
(a) did not have reasonable grounds for believing that it was necessary to defend themselves or
another person;
(b) can only be fined;
(c) can be imprisoned for a maximum of 60 years; or
(d) wanted to defend themselves but did not do so.
Question 7
Consent is a defence to rape. Consent does not exist if:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
the person mistakenly believes that the act is for medical purposes;
the person is so affected by alcohol that they are incapable of freely agreeing;
the person submits because of the fear of force; or
all of the above.
Question 8
Connect the offence with its definition:
THEFT
entering a building as a trespasser with the intent
to steal, assault a person or damage the building or
property
ROBBERY
using force during the act of stealing
BURGLARY
dishonestly taking a person’s property
3 marks
Criminal sanctions
Question 9
Carl has been found guilty of culpable driving and sentenced to 150 hours of community service.
a.
In which court is it most likely that this case would have been heard?
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1 mark
b. Who would have handed down Carl’s sanction?
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1 mark
c.Identify and describe one other criminal action that could have been imposed on Carl and explain
one of its purposes.
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3 marks
Question 10
Explain the role of a criminal jury in Australia. Do you support the retention of juried in Victoria?
Give reasons for your answer.
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8 marks
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Question 11
The following is an extract from a newspaper article. It contains errors.
Today is the start of Brendan’s civil action against Henry in the Supreme Court. Brendan is claiming
$3000 for breach of contract. Henry, the plaintiff, is strongly denying any liability. In court, Brendan must
prove his case beyond reasonable doubt to the judge.
Identify two errors in the above extract and provide the correct process, procedure or definition.
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4 marks
Question 12
Amelia has been reading several reports about the use of capsicum spray by Victoria Police and wants to
try and influence the Victorian parliament to change the law.
a.
Outline the structure of the Victorian Parliament.
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2 marks
b. After an individual has been arrested, identify one right of the individual and one police
power that could be used.
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4 marks
c. Describe one way that Amelia could try to use the law to influence the Victorian Parliament
to change the law.
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2 marks
Extended response
Question 13
Answer either part a. or part b. of this question.
a. A member of parliament recently declared that parliament has no weaknesses and should be
the only law-maker in Australia.
Critically evaluate parliament as a law maker. In your answer, describe one aspect of the
relationship between parliament and courts in law making.
10 marks
b. A Supreme Court Justice recently declared that the adversarial system of trial should no
longer be used in Victoria.
Critically evaluate the use of the adversarial system of trial. In your answer, describe one possible
improvement to the adversary system.
10 marks
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END OF QUESTION AND ANSWER BOOK
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