LS UNIT 3 AOS 2 (CIVIL LAW); PART 1 Flashcards
Define civil law and identify two purposes of it.
The civil justice system is a set of methods, institutions and processes that are used to resolve civil disputes. The purpose of the civil justice system is to determine whether the alleged defendant is liable and to remedy a person where the defendant is found liable. Another purpose is to enforce legal rights and to take action over legal wrongs.
What is a civil dispute?
A civil dispute is a dispute between two parties (individuals or groups), in which one makes a legal claim against the other.
What is a remedy and the purpose of it?
A remedy is an order made by courts, which is designed to address a civil wrongdoing/breach. The purpose is that it provides legal solution to plaintiff for the defendants breach of civil law and restore plaintiff (as much as possible) to their original positions before their rights were infringed.
Who is the plaintiff?
The plaintiff is the party who commences legal action against the defendant, and who’s rights have been infringed. The plaintiff has the burden of proof, meaning they have the responsibility of establishing the facts of the case on the balance of probabilities.
Who is the defendant?
The defendant is the party who is alleged to have infringed the rights of the plaintiff, and thus being sued.
What does it mean to ‘sue’?
To take legal action against someone, claiming that they have infringed some legal right of the plaintiff (or did something wrong that negatively affected the plaintiff).
Define vicarious liability.
The legal responsibility of a third party for the wrongful acts of another.
What is liability?
Legal responsibility for ones acts or omissions.
What is the burden of proof?
The burden of proof is the obligation of a party to prove a case. It usually rests with the party who initiates the civil action (the plaintiff in a civil dispute).
What is a counterclaim?
This is a seperate claim made by the defendant in response to the plaintiffs claim. (Heard in the same court).
What is a representative proceeding?
Representative proceedings are a type of civil action initiated by the plaintiff on behalf of 7 or more people in the supreme court, that involve the same or similar legal matters, or come from the same or similar legal circumstances.
Advantages of representative proceedings and how they uphold the P.O.J
- Representative proceedings gives individuals who would not have otherwise been able to pursue a claim, a chance to restore their rights, as all individuals involved, may agree to chip in on the matter, thus upholding the principle of ACCESS.
- In some cases, large corporate law firms may take on a representative proceeding for minimal or no money at all, saving individuals involved, from costs, and stress, which promotes FAIRNESS.
- Representative proceedings are streamlined, ensuring that individuals with the same or similar facts are not taking up the courts, which promotes the principle of ACCESS.
Disadvantages of representative proceedings and how they limit the P.O.J
- Individuals involved in the proceeding have lack of control over the case, as well as lack of individuality, thus they may feel unimportant, which can undermine the principle of FAIRNESS.
Criteria for representative proceeding.
- 7 or more people have claims against the same person.
- Arising from the same or similar facts.
- Identical legal issue to be resolved.
Identify the factors that need to be considered when initiating a civil claim.
- Negotiation options.
- Costs.
- Limitations of actions.
- Scope of liability.
- Enforcement options.