2022 HSC Legal Studies exam

Below is a breakdown of how well past Legal Studies students answered questions that related to sentencing and punishment. Answers with an asterisk are the correct answers.

Go to the Legal Studies 2022 HSC Exam Pack.

Question 8

Joe is in prison and provides evidence to the police which leads to the conviction of another prisoner. Which of the following is Joe likely to experience?

• A. Protective custody*
• B. Extended detention
• C. Preventative detention
• D. A diversionary program

This question addresses the section “post-sentencing considerations” within the topic Sentencing and Punishment.

82.14%% of candidates answering it correctly. 9.71% of candidates were distracted by C and 6.85% of candidates were distracted by D

Question 10

A judge delivers a maximum sentence to an offender. One of the aims of this penalty is to discourage others from committing similar crimes.

What is this known as? 

• A.  Deterrence*
• B.  Incapacitation
• C.  Rehabilitation
• D.  Retribution

This question addresses the section “the purposes of punishment” within the topic Sentencing and Punishment.

This was the 3^rd most successfully answered question with 83.34% of candidates answering it correctly.

9.00% of candidates were distracted by D and 5.19% of candidates were distracted by B.

Question 15

Frankie is a victim of common assault at an outdoor event. As a victim of crime, they have the right to:

• A.  Request their identity be protected*
• B.  Receive compensation for their injuries
• C.  Determine the bail terms of the accused
• D.  Determine the charge against the accused

This question addresses the section “the role of the victim” within the topic Sentencing and Punishment.

Only 62.32% of candidates answered question it correctly.

The main distraction was B with 32.68% of candidates choosing it.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT true when a judge delivers a sentencing decision? 

• A.  Statutory guidelines should be followed
• B.  The judge will decide the security classification of the offender*
• C.  Precedent from previous court cases may guide the judge’s thinking
• D.  For certain crimes the judge will need to apply a minimum sentence

This question addresses a number of section within the topic Sentencing and Punishment including:

• “statutory and judicial guidelines”
• “types of penalties”
• “factors affecting a sentencing decision”

This is a negative question, which often cause issues for candidates, as they are looking for the one thing that is not true.

This question caused candidates some issues with only 58.49% answering it correctly.

D distracted 19.83% of candidates, while C distracted 13.63% of candidates.