Activity Introduction
Quick summary: In this lesson, students will learn introductory legal concepts while investigating the different types of law in Australia (criminal and civil) and distinguishing between different legal offences. This foundation will serve to allow students to better understand the laws that govern the coward punch and its associated legal consequences.
The STOP the Coward Punch education package aims to spread awareness about the devastating effects of the coward punch on our community. This education package was developed by a team of experts, including a youth worker, education specialist and specialist teachers and references the latest research and laws on coward punches.
Learning intentions:
- Students will understand the difference between criminal and civil law
- Students will learn relevant legal terminology and create a glossary
- Students will understand the reasons for creating new coward punch laws
- Students will understand the legal factors relevant to a coward’s punch incident.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 8 Civics and Citizenship:
- The types of law in Australia, including criminal law and civil law, and the place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customary law (ACHCK064)
- Critically analyze information and ideas from a range of sources in relation to civics and citizenship topics and issues (ACHCS070)
Syllabus outcomes: N/A
General capabilities: Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking
Relevant parts of Year 8 achievement standards:
Students recognise different types of law in Australia and explain how laws are made. When researching, students develop a range of questions to investigate Australia’s political and legal systems and critically analyze information gathered from different sources for relevance. They develop and present reasoned arguments on civics and citizenship issues using appropriate texts, subject-specific language and concepts.
Topic: Social Issues
This lesson is part of the wider unit of work STOP the Coward Punch: Civics and Citizenship – Years 7 to 10.
Time required: 60 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – teacher will support students to learn legal terminology and differentiate between laws and facilitate class activities and discussion on complex issues.
Resources required:
- Criminal Offences Factsheet
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student.
Related professional development: Strategies for Dealing with Aggressive and Violent Behaviours
Keywords: criminal law, civil law, criminal justice system, civil justice system, coward punch, laws, one punch laws, coward punch, violence
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Teacher Preparation
