Courts and Laws

Question 1

County Court Definition

Answer 1

-Mid tier
-hears all indictable offences except for homicide
-12 juries
-can hear all appeals
- unlimited civil jurisdiction

Question 2

Supreme Court (Trial Division)

Answer 2

-highest court in vic court
-treason, murder or attempted murder
-unlimited civil matter (jurisdiction)

Question 3

Supreme Court (court of appeals)

Answer 3

-hears ALL appeals
- lodged on reasonable grounds
- not here any trials
- not have a jury
- 3 judges for an appeal

Question 4

Magistrates Court

Answer 4

-lowest court
- summary offences
- no appeals
-no juries

Question 5

Definition of Laws

Answer 5

Laws are legal rules that everyone in society must follow.
- made by parliament
-interpreted by the courts
-enforced by the police
- breaking the law= sanctions

Question 6

Characteristics of an effective law

Answer 6

Known
Enforceable
Laws reflect values of society
Laws should be clear and understandable
Laws should be stable

Question 6

Why are laws necessary ?

Answer 6

To achieve ‘social cohesion’ so people can live and interact with each other in a peaceful manner
Laws - recognize rights and responsibilities
- establish codes of behavior and resolve disputes

Question 7

Definition of Rules

Answer 7

Rules are non-legal guidelines which apply to a specific group of people.
- made by non-legal institutions
- interpreted by President/Club officials
-enforced by non-legal individuals

Question 8

Statute Law Definition

Answer 8

A law made by parliment

Question 9

Common Law Definition

Answer 9

When judges and magistrates settle legal disputes in court they must decide cases along the lines of earlier decisions made in similar cases.