Justice and the Courts is designed for the Year 9 Civics and Citizenship unit. The 12-page student resource and teacher presentation slides provides students with engaging and up-to-date case examples pertaining to the issues of justice and the Australian court hierarchy. Teachers will find all materials referenced at the conclusion of the resource for further detail.
The issue of justice undermined is examined through the Chamberlain case which was brought to light once again in early 2017 with the passing of Dr. Michael Chamberlain. The press across the nation once again published numerous articles on the Chamberlain case which 'ended' in 2012 with the issuing of a new death certificate for Azaria Chamberlain. The focus here is on the role of the media. More recent cases are used to illustrate how justice can be undermined when there are excessive court delays or when there is witness tampering. The reference to specific cases will make this resource accessible to students and they will become interested in following the outcome of the cases presented. Please note: the Powerpoint Presentation will be sent to your inbox on purchase of this student resource booklet.
{World War I}: Indigenous Australians
View of the ruined church at Villers-Bretonneux, c. 1918.
The Perth Mint has produced gold and silver coins to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL). The RSL was formed in 1916 to provide support to men and women who shared the war experience. It is timely to reflect on this important anniversary and to consider the part played by Indigenous Australians during the war and in the years after their return to Australia.
There is a great deal of information on the experiences of Indigenous Australians' experiences from enlistment through to their homecoming experience of 'back to being black'. A close look at the experience of one individual can be a powerful way of not only enhancing student understanding of this important subject, it also elicits an empathetic response. As Harper Lee wrote: "...you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them".
The Department of Veterans' Affairs published an outstanding secondary resource Indigenous Service in 2013. This resource includes a close look of Private Daniel Hodgekiss' experience on his return from war. An excellent set of primary sources are provided for student investigation including a letter which reveals his admission into hospital for a gun shot wound. You will be able to access this brilliant resource here. Used in conjunction with this resource from the Australian War Memorial, students will get a full understanding of the experience of one man's experience at Villers-Bretonneux and consider deeper questions such as this one: "Many Aboriginal servicemen recalled that their time spent serving in the AIF was the first time they felt they had been treated as equals. Why do you think this was the case?"
As we prepare to commemorate Anzac Day on 25 April, let us not forget the sacrifice made by all Australians.
{Year 9 World War I}: The Voices of Youth
A battered old text filled with annotations and incredible photographs from the British Library site inspired this teaching resource. The aim is to introduce younger students to the power of words in creating an understanding and empathy of extraordinary human experiences. Through reading and discussions with their teacher, students are directed to respond to two sources in creative ways. It is envisaged that this learning experience will ignite a curiosity in literature and encourage students to explore literary texts in the future. You will find this teaching resource here.