Chapter 13 Flashcards
What are legal rights
Rights that exist in either common or statute law.
What is a royal commission?
Type of public inquiry by bodies appointed by the executive government to provide assistance or investigate into issue of public importance. Usually human rights issues.
What role do Royal Commissions play in protecting human rights in Australia?
They act as an impartial source of judgement for these issues.
What powers do royal commissions hold?
Specific powers of investigation – ability to call upon and cross-examine witnesses, right to entry and phone tapping, providing protection to witnesses and inquiry members from legal actions such as defamation.
Why are Royal Commissions important?
They remain the last resort of governments when an issue is of public importance or sensitivity. It is when the government wishes to have the matter investigated but also be seen as independent from the process.
What is the role of the Australian Human Rights Commission?
To investigate and conciliate discrimination and human rights complaints. Also offers free legal advice for reports, and scrutinises Australia’s performance in meeting international human rights commitments.
What powers does the Australian Human Rights Commission hold?
It can make recommendations to individuals on legal proceedings. It is independent from the government even though it is a government organisation (free of bias for which party is in power.)
What rights does the Australian Human Rights Commission protect?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Age Discrimination
Asylum seekers and refugees
childrens rights
Disability rights
LGBTQI+
Race discrimination
rights and freedoms
sex discrimination.
