SAC 1B Definitions Flashcards
define access
access means all people should be able to engage with the justice system and its processes on an informed basis.
define community legal centre (CLC)
an independent community organisation that provides free legal services to people who are unable to pay for those services. some are generalist CLCs and some are specialist CLCs.
define equality
equality means all people should be treated in the same way, but if that same treatment creates disadvantage or disparity, adequate measures should be implemented to allow all to engage in the justice system without disadvantage and disparity.
define fairness
fairness means all people can participate in the justice system and its processes are impartial and open.
define jurisdiction
the lawful authority of a court, tribunal or other dispute resolution body to decide legal cases.
define jury
an independent group of people chosen at random to determine questions of fact in a trial and reach a decision.
define legal aid
legal advice, education or information about the law and the provision of legal services. (including legal assistance and representation).
define plea negotiations
pre-trial discussions between the prosecution and accused, aimed at resolving the case by agreeing on an outcome to the criminal charges laid.
define victoria legal aid (VLA)
a government agency that provides free legal advice to all members of the community and low-cost or no-cost legal representation to some people who cannot afford a lawyer.
define aggravating factors
facts or circumstances about an offender or an offence that can lead to a more severe sentence.
define community corrections order (CCO)
a flexible, non-custodial sanction that the offender serves in the community, with conditions attached to the order
define denunciation
This is designed to demonstrate the community’s disapproval of the offender’s actions.
define fine
a sanction that requires the offender to pay an amount of money to the state
define general deterrence
he purpose of general deterrence is to discourage members of the community from committing offences because they see the consequences of committing the crime.
define guilty plea
when an offender formally admits guilt which is then considered by the court when sentencing.
define imprisonment
a sanction that involves removing an offender from society and placing them in prison for a specific period of time.
define mitigating factors
facts or circumstances about the offender or the offence that can lead to a less-severe sentence.
define protection
this is designed to ensure that the community is safe from any further harm that can be caused by the offender through preventing them from committing further crimes.
define punishment
this is designed to penalise the offender and show society and the victim that criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.
define rehabilitation
this is designed to reform an offender in order to prevent them from committing crimes in the future.
define sanction
a penalty imposed by a court on a person guilty of a criminal offence
define specific deterrence
the purpose of specific deterrence is when the court seeks to discourage the offender from engaging in criminal activity in the future.
define victim impact statement
a statement filed with the court by a victim that is considered by the court when sentencing. it contains particulars of any inquiry, loss or damage suffered by the victim as a result of the crime.
