Presumption of innocence Flashcards
Rules definition
Non-legal rules: regulations/codes/policies made by private individuals or groups in society.
They don’t originate from legal institutions such as parliament.
Who do rules apply to?
Apply to only a specific group of people as opposed to the whole of society and the way that they are enforced can vary.
rules examples
households
schools
workplace
sports games
Laws definition
legal rules.
Made by legal institutions such as parliament.
Features of law: they apply to society but are also enforceable by the courts and the police.
examples of where laws can arise from
Parliament- at commonwealth and state levels
Courts- through decisions made interpreting statutes or ruling over cases
Why is the Constitution significant?
-Establishes parliament.
-Establishes lawmaking powers of commonwealth and states
-Establishes the judicial role of the high court
-Establishes how the constitution can be changed.
Parliament
formal assembly made up of representatives of people who are elected by the people to make laws with the exception of the governer general/governor who is appointed
Date of federation
1st January 1901
social cohesion
The willingness of members of a society to cooperate with each other in order to survive and prosper
indicators of a socially cohesive society
People can work and improve their education
individuals are fairly treated, feel a sense of acceptance and belonging.
active participation in gov + community based organizations by community members
Legal system treats individuals equally + promotes accessibility
aims of social cohesion
improve the well-being of all members of society
minimise disparities
avoid marginalisation
indicator of dysfunctional society
high crime rates
low literacy rates
high recidivism (reoffending)
constant protest
how individuals can promote social cohesion
responsibility of individuals to follow the law once they are aware of them.
eg.) Businesses are expected not to exploit their workers for free labor through paying fair wages
how the law promotes social cohesion
Reflects acceptable behaviors and values that are prioritised
creates boundaries to protect individuals
establishes the rule of law (no one is above the law )
how the legal system can promote social cohesion
ensuring that institutions exist to effectively create, implement and enforce the law.
eg.) police- fairly enforce law/ keep community safe
courts- apply law thru functioning justice system and determine whether an individual has broken the law
parliament- members representing the views of thru voters when making decisions on lawmaking.
Fairness
All people can participate in the justice system and its processes should be impartial and open
(Fairness) Impartial processes
All personnel within the legal system system including the judges/ magistrate, jury members, court personnel must act in a way that is impartial +independent. to show no bias or discrimination
(Fairness) Open processes
Courts processes must be transparent- allow media reporters, clear guidelines for sentencing and regulations for selection and role of the jury
(Fairness) Participation
Individuals must be able to effectively participate in the legal system
being aware of charges laid against them, having time to prepare their case, being aware of the evidence brought against them
Equality
All people engaging in the justice system should be treated in the same way. 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
same treatment (formal equality )
All individuals are treated the same and given the same level of support regardless of their personal difference or characteristics
eg.) race, religion,gender,identity or age
different treatment (substantive equality )
If the legal system did treat people in the same way but in doing so causes disadvantage/ disparity then adjustments should be put in place to allow people to participate in the JS
Access
All people should be able to enegage with the JS and its processes on an infromed basis.
Access- Engagement (physical access )
The location of the courts in victoria
Access- Engagement (financial access )
Vic legal aid is limited in its fundings and thus ability to support individuals who do not have the means to pay for legal representation
people should not be prevented from defending their case because they do not have financial means to do so
Access- Informed basis (Education)
Individuals with higher levels of education are generally more informed about their rights+ more thorough awareness of the legal system
Access-Informed basis (legal support services)
Having free access to legal support services can help people be more informed about their rights
Access Informed basis (legal representation )
Having legal representation is one of the most effective ways a person can be informed about their rights + legal processes
effective law (reflects society’s view )
value= belief, principle or idea about how we should behave and treat others—> deemed important to uphold
laws must be accepted by community
laws align with current societal views
effective law (enforceable)
Those who break the law mat be apprehended and charged in a criminal case or sued in civil proceedings
Law is enforced in Aus by courts, gov bodies , police