Criminal Law - Chapter 4 Key Terms

Question 1

Access

Answer 1

One of the principles of justice; means that all people should be able to engage with the justice system and it’s processes on an informed basis

Question 2

Community Legal Centre (CLC)

Answer 2

An independant community organisation that provides free legal services to people who are unable to pay for those services. Some are generalist CLCs and some are specialist CLCs

Question 3

Equality

Answer 3

One of the principles of justice; equality means people should be treated in the same way, but if the same treatment creates disparity or disadvantage, adequate measures should be implemented to allow all to engage with the justice system without disparity or disadvantage

Question 4

Fairness

Answer 4

One of the principles of justice; means all people can participate in the justice system and its processes should be impatrial and open

Question 5

Jurisdiction

Answer 5

the lawful authority (or power) of a court, tribunal or other dispute resoloution body to decide legal cases

Question 6

Jury

Answer 6

An independant group of people chosen at random to determine questions of fact in a trial and reach a decision (i.e. a verdict)

Question 7

Legal aid

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Plea negotiations

Answer 8

(in criminal cases) pre-trial discussions between the prosecution and the accused, aimed at resolving the case by agreeing on an outcome to the criminal charges laid (also known as charge negotiations)

Question 9

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA)

Answer 9

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