Law Court

Question 1

What is a political party

Answer 1

Group of people with similar political views and beliefs

Question 2

What is the objective of a political party

Answer 2

To gain seats in parliament

Question 3

What does a political party do

Answer 3

Debate, discuss and assist in formation of laws

Question 4

What is a coalition

Answer 4

Like minded parties joining together to increase numbers

Question 5

Who usually forms a coalition

Answer 5

Liberals and national party

Question 6

What house forms government

Answer 6

House of Representatives

Question 7

What is an independent

Answer 7

A politician who doesn’t belong to any party

Question 8

Example of a left wing and right wing party

Answer 8

Left-labor party

Right-liberal party

Question 9

What is the date of federation

Answer 9

1st Jan 1901

Question 10

When was the constitution put into play

Answer 10

1st Jan 1901

Question 11

How many members in the house of reps

Answer 11

150

Question 12

How long are house of reps members elected for

Answer 12

3 years

Question 13

How many people in the senate

Answer 13

76

Question 14

What is a ‘hung’ parliament

Answer 14

When no one party has an absolute majority

Question 15

Name five methods of political persuasion

Answer 15

Print
Social media
Television 
Advertising
Public debates

Question 16

In what house would you see a preferential vote

Answer 16

House of reps

Question 17

What is a preferential vote

Answer 17

When the options are numbered-1 being the favourite one

Question 18

What is statue law

Answer 18

• made by parliament

- bound by the constitution

Question 19

What is common law

Answer 19

• made by courts
• high court and parliament can override
• bound by precedents and legislation

Question 20

What is civil law

Answer 20

Refers to private matters between plaintiff and defendant

Question 21

What is criminal law

Answer 21

Law imposing punishment for illegal actions

Question 22

What are 4 types of law

Answer 22

1. Access to representation (eg lawyer)
2. Equal before a court of law
3. Independent judge - no bias or favouritism
4. Right to appeal

Question 23

Explain Australia’s system of government

Answer 23

Federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy

Question 24

What is the role of the high court

Answer 24

Interpret the constitution and decide whether laws passed act in agreement with the constitution

Question 25

What is rules of evidence

Answer 25

Courts need to listen to all the evidence presented in the case, decide on the relevant law and apply it to the case

Question 26

Precedent

Answer 26

Law or rule that other courts must use when deciding on cases with similar circumstances or facts

Question 27

What is the importance of precedents

Answer 27

They help to make trials run more fairly and efficiently as the same legal principles are applied in cases that are the same or similar

Question 28

Who sets a precedent

Answer 28

Usually the high court put all courts can

Courts must follow the precedent of higher courts

Question 29

What is ratio dicedeni

Answer 29

When courts follow a precedent, they look at the reasoning behind it and how it was set. This helps them to apply it to their own cases