Year 12 Legal Studies

Should Freedom of Speech be Protected by the Constitution?

On Wednesday 4th September, the Yr 11 Legal Studies class attended the Victorian Schools' Local Parliamentary Convention.  The theme was 'Should freedom of speech be written into the Constitution?' This was a great opportunity for students to consider a different range of political issues and engage in respectful debate on real, complex problems facing Australian democracy.

The students heard from a panel of local experts including Emma King (Criminal Defence lawyer at Slater & King lawyers), Cr Chris Hazelman, OAM, Hon Damian Drum MP, and local fruit grower Peter Hall.  The panel got the students thinking about freedom of speech and they were able to put this topic into context through their various experiences.

The afternoon session had the students working in small groups with a panel member to workshop and construct a section to be included in the Constitution.  All groups then presented their section for the Constitution and students voted for the section they preferred the most, and also whether they wanted to alter the Constitution to include freedom of speech.

After some passionate debate on the topic, it was decided and voted upon. Our recommendation would be to remain with the status quo and not include freedom of speech in the Constitution, as it was felt there were enough protections already in place, and entrenching this right might, in practice, actually work to limit this right.

Students who participated in the local Convention now have the opportunity to participate in the State Parliamentary Convention held in September 2020, and even the National Convention!

Congratulations to all for your respectful debate and participation!

Zarina Fleming

VCE Legal Studies