Commerce Flashcards
What is a rule?
Rules are sets of principle that govern a particular activity or process.
What is a law?
Laws are a set of ‘legal’ rules that imposed by society upon its member to regulate their behaviours.
What are the two ways laws are made?
- Statute law (by the government)
2. Common law (by the courts)
Do laws change?
The laws of society reflect the values and beliefs of the people living in that society. As the values in society change, so do the laws
What are the three levels of Government?
Federal parliament
6 state and territory parliaments
Over 566 local councils
What does the federal parliament do?
It legislates, or make laws, for the whole of Australia.
What does bicameral mean?
Bicameral means that there are two houses.
What are the houses called in federal parliment?
Lower house: House of representatives
Upper House: Senate
What can federal parliaments make laws on?
The 40 areas listed on the constitution. Some examples are taxation, trade and commerce, census and statistics, quarantine, currency, defence and immigration.
What do the state and territory parliaments do?
They make laws for their state or territory.
How many houses can a state or territory parliament have?
It can either be bicameral or unicameral.
What can state and territory parliaments make laws on?
Other than those listed in the constitution most law-making powers is held by states. Some examples are schools, hospitals, roads and railways, public transport, police and ambulance services.
What do local councils do?
The make local laws, called by-laws for their region or district. For example traffic lights, rubbish collection and pet management.
Why is the division of power important?
It ensures that no one level of government can control all the laws and activities in the nation.
What are the four sections that make up the division of power?
Specific power, exclusive power, concurrent power and residual power.
What is specific power?
They are powers given to the Commonwealth (federal parliament).
What is exclusive power?
They are ones that only the Commonwealth can make laws for and States can not.
What is concurrent power?
They are when both the Commonwealth and States have authority to make laws.
What is residual power?
Powers that the States legislate on.
What is the court hierarchy?
Each court has a set jurisdiction which means that each court has been granted specific power to only deal with certain types of legal matters.
What is the hierarchy of courts from lowest to highest?
Local court/children’s court/coroner’s court
District court
Supreme court
High court
Judge’s associate
Trained lawyer who manage much of the paperwork.
Members of the public
Listen to and observe the court proceedings.
Members of the media
Observe proceedings so they can report what happens.
Sheriff’s officers
Serve summonses and provide security for the court.
The accused
Person standing the trial
Jury
Anyone whose name is on the electoral roll can be called as a juror. 12 jurors in criminal trial. 6 jurors in civil case.
Prison officer
A prison officer from the prison where the accused has been held.
Defence counsel in criminal cases
In a criminal case they try to convince the jury that either the accused is innocent or should have a lessen punishment.
Defence counsel in civil cases
In a civil case their role is to try convince the jury that no wrong was done.
Prosecutor
Are only in criminal cases, they try to convince the jury that a person is guilty.
Plaintiff
Are only in civil cases, they present reasons why their client should receive compensation.
Witness box
People who give evidence relevant to the case.
Tipstaff
Helps the judge keep order in the court.
Judge when no Jury
Listens to arguments presented by the prosecutor and defence counsel and makes a judgment.
Judge when there is a Jury
The judge ensures that the jury understands everything. If the jury announce guilty the judge is in charge of punishment.
How are common laws made?
When a judge makes a decision in the courts it sets a precedent for other judges to follow. This is referred to as common law. They also make new laws when they interpret words in a law made by Parliament.
First four steps in creating a statue law.
Step 1 - First reading a bill is introduced to parliament
Step 2 - Second reading reasons for introduction and intentions of the bill are given
Step 3 - Committee stage the bill is considered in detail. Amendments can be made.
Step 4 - Third reading involves the formal reading of the bill and it is voted on.
Last four steps in creating a statue law.
Step 5 - Upper house the bill is sent to the upper house.
Step 6 - If it is accepted it is signed by the governor general.
Step 7 - The bill becomes an act of parliament.
Step 8 - Act becomes law
What is customary law?
Customary law is the law of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. It is transmitted orally.