laws and citizens - key personnel in the legal system

Question 1

accused

Answer 1

criminal - a person or group of people who are charged with or on trial for a crime.

Question 2

prosecution

Answer 2

works on behalf of the state and has to prove the accused guilty with the evidence they bring to court.

Question 3

plaintiff

Answer 3

a person who brings a case against another in a court of law

Question 4

defendant

Answer 4

an individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law.

Question 5

judge

Answer 5

judges are appointed to hear cases and make sure both parties have an equal opportunity to present their case. the judge will direct the jury about the laws that apply if a judge and jury hear a case. the judge is responsible for imposing sentences if the accused is found guilty in a criminal case. judges are independent officers of the court.

Question 6

jury

Answer 6

the jury is a group of ordinary citizens (jurors) selected from the community. they impartially listen to the evidence and determine the facts of the case. to apply the law as explained by the judge. in a criminal matter they will determine if the accused is guilty or not guilty. in a civil matter they will determine if the defendant is at fault and determine the remedy.

Question 7

witness

Answer 7

to give evidence, they are asked to tell the court what happened to them. as a witness they may be asked questions by a:

• prosecutor who represents the state
• a defence lawyer who represents the accused