Legal Studies students Libby Austin and Charlee Rose Murtough-Coombes found the 2023 HSC exam reasonable, but like many of their peers found Question 25 ‘a little confusing’. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers
A fifteen-mark question on crime and courts threw some HSC students through a loop as they sat down for their three-hour Legal Studies exam.
Legal Studies teacher at Emmaus Catholic College in western Sydney Carmen Rojo said the exam overall was a fair one, and that scoring highly in the fifteen-marker would come down to how well students understand the legislation, such as police powers.
“When it comes to compliance with the courts, (courts) need to make sure that those people in power are following things like the Evidence Act,” Ms Rojo added.
“(Students) need their LCIDs – legislation, case, international documents and media articles … to link to the answer.”
The question in question: Number 25 in the 2023 Legal Studies HSC Exam, the most controversial question in the test. Picture: NSW Education Standards Authority
Her students, Year 12 graduates and keen debaters Charlee Rose Murtough-Coombes and Libby Austin, both found Question 25 “a little confusing”, at least at first glance.
“It stumped me a little bit because I didn’t understand what they meant by courts advocating for compliance,” Charlee Rose said.
Libby Austin and Charlee Rose Murtough-Coombes, Year 12 students at Emmaus Catholic College in Kemps Creek, had their HSC Legal Studies exam on Wednesday morning. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers
“But then I took it (meaning) what happens in the courtroom … and then outside local courts, they do AA meetings and … domestic violence meetings. They do the educational stuff as well, so I just took that and ran with it.”
“Once I broke it down … I think I was pretty well-prepared by talking about punishment and awareness kind of forcing society’s hand,” Libby said.
“I answered that question to the best of my capabilities, so I’m pretty confident going out of the exam that we both did well.”
Both 18-year-olds will continue to take exams for other subjects over the coming weeks. HSC exams conclude on November 3 with the Food Technology paper.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
-
![IT Traineeship program for Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese]()
13 Aug 2025
Become an IT Trainee and earn while you learn
If you are a Year 10-12 student, attend an information session on either 13 or 14 August 2025 (4pm-6pm) at Aengus Kavanagh Centre, 59 Railway St Rooty Hill NSW 2766 to get started.![CathWest Innovation College]()
07 Jul 2025
Upskill Workshops @ CathWest Loyola Campus
Use the Term 2 School Holidays 7 - 8 July for an opportunity to upskill for employment outcomes and develop skills in your passion area. Limited spaces are available!![Women's Trade Day Program at CathWest Innovation College]()
07 Jul 2025
Nexgen Women's Trade Day Program @ CathWest Loyola Campus
Ready to explore a future in trades? We’re offering two hands-on training days designed especially for women and you can choose to attend one day or both!
More News
03 Jul 2025
From Facebook
🎸MADD NIGHT 2025 ✨ What a fantastic display of talent we had at our annual MADD Night showcase last Thursday! 👏 The night began with an art show which showcased the brilliant work of our visual arts students, followed by a number of music and dance performances that stunned audience members. 🖼️💃 It was a marvellous night that captured the passion and talent of our students across Years 7 to 12. Congratulations to all staff and students who played a part in the night - we are blessed to have a fantastic range of talents at Emmaus! 🎤🥁 #MADDNight2025
03 Jul 2025
From Facebook
🏮LANGUAGES AT EMMAUS ⭐ Last week, Year 8 Chinese language students embarked on a fascinating cultural journey into the world of Blue and White Porcelain - one of China’s most iconic and treasured art forms. ✨ Blue and White Porcelain has a rich history, spanning over a thousand years. Year 8 students have been exploring the origins, cultural significance and global impact of this traditional craft, seizing the opportunity to create their very own Blue and White Porcelain! 👏 This joyful and engaging workshop marked the conclusion of students’ Semester 1 Chinese studies, blending language, culture, history and art in a way that will leave a lasting impression on our students. Thanks to Ms Li, Ms Zheng and Mr Wang for guiding our students along their exciting cultural journeys! ☺️
01 Jul 2025
From Facebook
The final edition of this Term’s College Newsletter is now available! ⭐ You can find it by following the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bHWSc0UOeehAHx7rds2-hjhjlg1rN8uW/view?usp=sharing
30 Jun 2025
From Facebook
❄️ EMMAUS TAKES ON THE VINNIES WINTER SLEEPOUT 🙌 Recently, we held our Vinnies NSW Winter Appeal where a number of students and staff slept at school in support of tackling homelessness. During the evening, students participated in activities that were aimed at portraying the reality of homelessness and the impact this can have on an individual’s education, work, clothing and access to food. 📚🍝 A special thanks to Eleanor, the President of the St Clair branch of the St Vincent de Paul Society who visited Emmaus to speak with students and Jennie from Coles in Stanhope Gardens who helped us by supplying the boxes that were used to build shelters. 🥰 We are very proud of our students and staff who braved the night to raise awareness for homelessness and the devastating impact it has on our wider community. 👏 #VinniesNSW #VinniesWinterSleepout
27 Jun 2025
From Facebook
Last week, Year 11 Biology students visited Sydney Zoo, relishing the opportunity to learn about the daily responsibilities of a zookeeper. 🐨☀️ As part of the experience, students designed and created enrichment items for the meerkats that encourage them to use their natural adaptations and behaviours while supporting the mental stimulation and wellbeing. Sydney Zoo zookeepers were impressed with our students’ creative and thoughtful enrichment designs, adding some of our students’ ideas to the zoo’s enrichment rotation - how exciting. 🤩 What a memorable experience for our students who witnessed biology come to life at Sydney Zoo! 😄 #Year11Biology #SydneyZoo
26 Jun 2025
From Facebook
🌟STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 🌟 Congratulations to Year 10 students, Mercy A and Salvatore A, who were successful applicants of the NSW Health Health Inspirations Program within the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District! 👏🩺 The Health Inspirations Program is a health career exploration program designed to give secondary students hands-on experience within the health industry. Salvatore and Mercy will undergo a series of work placements across the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District to gain hands-on experience within the medical field. A limited number of places were available, with over 400 students across the Nepean and Blue Mountains region applying to participate in the program. We are very proud of Salvatore and Mercy for being successful applicants and excited for the new skills and insights they will obtain from the experience. 😁 Keep up the great work Salvatore and Mercy! 💪🎉
25 Jun 2025
From Facebook
📚 EMMAUS’ SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ⭐ We are excited to announce that our senior scholarship program is back for 2025! We are offering ten full and ten partial scholarships to twenty Year 10 students who will be transitioning to Year 11 in 2026. 🙌 Please visit Compass for more information about submitting an application. Applications close Friday, 25th July. 📅
22 Jun 2025
From Facebook
Have a look at what’s on at Emmaus in Weeks 9 and 10! Wishing everyone a great fortnight ahead. ☺️
19 Jun 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to our students across Year 8 to Year 11 who received Platinum Awards. 👏🏅 Students who receive a Platinum Award have collated 160 merits on 160 separate occasions ranging across a spectrum of academic, College pillar, positive behaviour, cultural, arts, social justice and sporting achievements. This is an outstanding achievement - we are very proud of our award recipients who have worked tirelessly to uphold the College ethos. ☺️
18 Jun 2025
From Facebook
🌟 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 🌟 Congratulations to Year 12 student, Jessica R, who has received an unconditional offer to study a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Law in 2026, after her successful completion of two criminology units through the Uni Step-Up program at Australian Catholic University (ACU). 🤩👏 Jessica successfully completed two units during the July 2024 and January 2025 school holidays, developing critical thinking skills and receiving a glimpse into university life! We are beyond proud of Jessica who received four distinctions and two credits across the six assessment tasks she completed while undertaking the two units - way to go! 🎉 Congratulations Jessica, what a significant achievement. 🙌
17 Jun 2025
From Facebook
Recently, four of our senior students, accompanied by 3 dedicated staff members, headed out on the Vinnies Van to Parramatta and Mount Druitt. 🚐 Despite the cold, it was truly a rewarding experience to put service into action and connect with the community; offering sandwiches, hot drinks, cold drinks and snack packs. We were able to provide social interaction and connect with the community while showing compassion to those in need. 🥰 Emmaus proudly supports the Vinnies Van with a monthly shift where we can display the pillars of Faith, Respect, Mercy, Service and Hospitality. Vinnies NSW
16 Jun 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Year 11 Debating Team who finished 9th in the state out of approximately 90 other schools! 👏 🎉 Our debating team were undefeated across 7 rounds of debating, 4 of those rounds occurring in the elimination final rounds. 💪 An amazing effort from our Year 11 debaters, Nicole T, Claudia D, Chase I, Chelsy M, Stella C and Angelina D, who have made our College community extremely proud! 😁 🙌
13 Jun 2025
From Facebook
At the 2025 Emmaus Catholic College Athletics Carnival, we asked our students which house they think will seize first place, and a few other questions. Will it be Cana, Tabor, Mamre or Jordan? 🏆 Stay tuned to find out the winning house! ❤️ 💛 💚 💙 #EmmausCatholicCollege #2025AthleticsCarnival
13 Jun 2025
From Facebook
⭐ OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY VISITS EMMAUS 🙌 Last week, we hosted Year 6 students from Our Lady of the Rosary, St Marys (OLOR) for a Science Day! 🧪🔎 Supported by Year 7 and 8 Emmaus students, OLOR students embarked on a number of practical activities that explored several scientific concepts. From lighting a bunsen burner to building catapults, constructing a marble run and creating static electricity, students embarked on a journey of learning basic scientific principles. 📖🔭 What a fabulous day Year 6 OLOR students had at Emmaus, gaining an insight into daily life at secondary school. ⭐ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
12 Jun 2025
From Facebook
Recently, Year 11 student, Claudia D, represented the College at the Roslyn Park Theatre to watch the Bangarra Dance Theatre performance of Illume through CAPTIVATE. 💃✨ Illume is a collaboration between choreographer Frances Rings and visual artist Darrell Sibosado, exploring the awe of light - the bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds - charting the impact of light pollution in a climate emergency. It asks the urgent question “Is the deep wisdom passed down from Elders enough to illuminate a path forward from the shadows of a dark future?” Claudia harnessed the opportunity to represent the College at the performance, contributing to her upcoming Dance assessment where she will be studying a similar piece. Keep up the great work Claudia! 🙌 ⭐