Definitions

Question 0

prosecutor

Answer 0

the person formally conducting legal proceedings against someone accused of a criminal offence. the prosecutor acts on behalf of the state of the crown.

Question 1

plaintiff

Answer 1

a person who decided to take the defendant to court because he/she committed a civil wrong against the plaintiff.

Question 2

defendant

Answer 2

the person who is accused of a crime or a civil wrong, in a criminal case, the defendant is also referred to as the accused.

Question 3

standard of proof

Answer 3

the degree or level of proof required in order for the plaintiff (in a civil case) or the prosecution (in a criminal case) to prove their case

Question 4

burden of proof

Answer 4

the responsibility of a party to prove a case in court

Question 5

prima facie

Answer 5

Latin ‘on the fence’, at first sight: having sufficient evidence established against a defendant to warrant a trial in a higher court of law

Question 6

defamation

Answer 6

the act of making statements or suggestions that harm someone’s reputation

Question 7

native title

Answer 7

the right of indigenous people to their traditional lands

Question 8

obiter dicta

Answer 8

(Latin) comments from a judge in a case that are not directly relevant to the case, and therefore not legally binding