Chapter 13 - Human Rights

Question 1

human rights

Answer 1

basic freedom or standards that promote and uphold the dignity of all people, and are guaranteed by a moral sense of duty or by the law

Question 2

intergenerational trauma

Answer 2

a psychological response to highly distressing, stressful or oppressive historical events, such as war or significant injustices, which is passed on to future generations. First Nations people experience intergenerational trauma for many reasons, including being subjected to brutal and harmful government policies, racism and discrimination since the British colonisation of Australia

Question 3

multiculturalism

Answer 3

the idea that people with distinct cultures and ethnicity can coexist peacefully and equitably in a single country

Question 4

international treaty

Answer 4

a legally binding agreement between countries or intergovernmental organisations, in which they undertake to follow the obligations set out in the agreement and include them in their own local laws (also known as an international convention)

Question 5

ratify (ratification)

Answer 5

confirmation by a nation’s parliament of its approval of an international treaty signed by its government. The parliament expressly passes legislation that requires it by law to adopt the various rights and responsibilities set out in the treaty

Question 6

international declaration

Answer 6

a non-binding agreement between countries that sets out the aspirations (i.e. hopes) of the parties to the agreement

Question 7

United Nations

Answer 7

a major international organisation established after the Second World War to maintain international peace, security and cooperation among nations

Question 8

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Answer 8

an international document that outlines basic rights and fundamental freedoms to which all human beings are entitled; the declaration was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948

Question 9

statute law

Answer 9

law made by parliament; also known as Acts of Parliament or legislation (as opposed to common law)

Question 10

common law

Answer 10

law made by judges through decisions made in cases; also known as case law or judge-made law (as opposed to statute law)

Question 11

Australian Constitution

Answer 11

a set of rules and principles that guide the way Australia is governed. The Australian Constitution is set out in the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act

Question 12

Human Rights Charter

Answer 12

the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) Its main purpose is to protect and promote human rights

Question 13

charter of human rights (or bill of rights)

Answer 13

a document that sets out the basic human rights and/or freedoms of the citizens in a particular state or country

Question 14

democracy

Answer 14

a system of government in which members of parliament are elected by the people to represent the views and values of the people, and to make laws on their behalf

Question 15

legal aid

Answer 15

legal advice, education or information about the law and the provision of legal services (including legal assistance and representation)

Question 16

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA)

Answer 16

a government agency that provides free legal advice to all members of the community and low-cost or no-cost legal representation to some people who cannot afford a lawyer

Question 17

conviction

Answer 17

a finding of guilt made by a court, whether or not a conviction is recorded. Where a conviction is recorded, it will form pat of the person’s criminal record

Question 18

supreme law-making body

Answer 18

the body (i.e. the parliament) that has the final law-making power, meaning it can make or change any law within its power and pass legislation to abrogate (cancel) common law