Civics & Citizenship · Year 6 · Making and Breaking Laws · Term 2

Reviewing and Changing Rules

Students consider how rules are reviewed and changed if they are not working well or if circumstances change.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9HASS6K02

About This Topic

Laws are not static; they evolve as society changes. This topic examines the various drivers for legal change in Australia, including shifts in social values, technological advancements, and the emergence of new global challenges. For Year 6 students, this is an opportunity to see how they can influence the law through advocacy and civic participation. This study aligns with AC9HASS6K03, focusing on how laws are made and why they might change over time.

Students look at historical examples, such as the 1967 Referendum or the introduction of mandatory seatbelt laws, to understand how the legal system responds to public pressure and safety needs. They also consider modern issues like cyberbullying and environmental protection. This topic is highly engaging when students use collaborative problem-solving to identify 'outdated' rules and propose modern alternatives based on current community standards.

Key Questions

1. Explain the circumstances under which a rule might need to be changed.
2. Analyze the process for proposing and implementing changes to existing rules.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of a rule and suggest improvements.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the circumstances that might necessitate a change to an existing rule or law.
• Analyze the steps involved in proposing and implementing changes to rules, from suggestion to enactment.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of a given rule by identifying its strengths and weaknesses in current practice.
• Propose specific improvements to an existing rule based on identified shortcomings or changing societal needs.

Before You Start

What are Rules and Laws?

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of what rules and laws are and why they exist before exploring how they change.

Sources of Rules

Why: Understanding who makes rules (e.g., parents, teachers, government) provides context for how rules are changed by those same authorities.

Key Vocabulary

Advocacy	The act of publicly supporting or recommending a particular cause or policy. This can involve writing letters, signing petitions, or speaking out about an issue.
Amendment	A formal alteration or addition made to a constitution, statute, or other legal document. It is a way to change or improve an existing rule.
Circumstance	A fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action. Changes in circumstances can often lead to the need for rules to be reviewed.
Enactment	The process of making a proposal or bill into a law. This is the final step in changing a rule or creating a new one.
Review	To examine or assess something formally with the possibility or intention of instituting change if necessary. Rules are reviewed to ensure they are still fair and effective.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Laws only change because politicians want them to.

What to Teach Instead

Most laws change because of pressure from the public, community groups, or experts. Using case studies of community-led campaigns helps students see the power of 'people power' in legal reform.

Common Misconception

Once a law is made, it stays that way forever.

What to Teach Instead

Laws are constantly being reviewed and updated to stay relevant. A 'Timeline of Change' activity helps students see the legal system as a living, breathing entity.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: Then vs. Now

Students research a law from 50 years ago that has changed (e.g., smoking in public places or environmental laws). They create a 'Before and After' poster explaining what changed and why society demanded it.

50 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: Tech and the Law

Students discuss a new technology (like AI or drones) and identify potential problems it might cause. They brainstorm one new law that could help keep people safe while using this technology.

25 min·Pairs

Gallery Walk: The Catalyst for Change

Display 'scenarios of change' (e.g., a new scientific discovery, a large protest, a tragic accident). Students walk around and vote on which catalyst they think is the most powerful for making politicians act.

30 min·Individual

Real-World Connections

• Local councils regularly review traffic light timings or parking restrictions in response to community feedback and changing traffic patterns. For example, residents might petition the council to change a 'no stopping' zone to a 'loading zone' if local businesses require it.
• Parliamentarians consider proposed changes to laws based on new evidence or societal shifts. For instance, laws regarding online privacy are continually reviewed and updated to address new technologies and potential harms like data breaches.
• School communities, including students, parents, and teachers, can propose changes to school rules. A student council might advocate for a change in the school's uniform policy or the timing of lunch breaks if the current rules are seen as impractical or unfair.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Imagine a school rule that is no longer working well. What kind of circumstances might have caused this rule to become ineffective?' Have students discuss in small groups and share one example with the class, identifying the rule and the changing circumstances.

Quick Check

Provide students with a scenario where a rule needs changing (e.g., a school rule about phone use during lunch). Ask them to write down two specific steps they would take to propose a change to this rule, focusing on who they would talk to and what information they would present.

Exit Ticket

Give each student a card with a simple rule (e.g., 'No running in the corridors'). Ask them to write one sentence explaining why this rule might need to be reviewed and one suggestion for how it could be improved or changed to be more effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hands-on strategies for teaching why laws change?

Using 'Problem-Based Learning' (PBL) is highly effective here. Present students with a modern dilemma, like the rise of e-scooters or deepfake technology, and ask them to draft a law that addresses it. By trying to solve a current problem, they realize that laws are practical tools for social management and must be updated as the world changes around us.

What are some reasons why laws change in Australia?

Laws change due to new technology, changes in social attitudes (like views on equality), court decisions that highlight gaps in the law, and the need to improve public safety.

How can ordinary citizens help change a law?

Citizens can write to their local MP, start or sign petitions, join interest groups, or participate in peaceful protests to show the government that a law needs to be updated.

What is the role of the Law Reform Commission?

The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) is an independent body that researches complex areas of law and provides recommendations to the government on how to modernize and improve them.