The Legal System Flashcards
Devolution
statutory granting of powers from the central government to government at subnational level
Miscarriages of justice
cases where convicted individual was later cleared
litigation/lawsuit
civil action brought before a court of law
solicitors
civil lawsuit, paperwork, divorce cases, wills
barristers
specialize in courtroom advocacy, university degree in law, make a lot of money, have to be over 30 to practice alone, silly wigs
court of human rights
provides legal recourse of last resort for individuals who feel that their human rights have been violated by a contracting party to the Convention
hung jury
jury that cannot agree upon a verdict
verdict not proven
Scottish term, person is guilty but not enough evidence so he walks free
zero tolerance
no mercy for criminals that break laws again and again
Lord Chancellor
member of Cabinet, is responsible by law for the efficient functioning and independence of the courts
Lord Protector
certain heads of state at different periods of history
Criminal law
Court of human right in Strasbourg –> Supreme court -> Court of appeal -> Crown Court – jury –>Magistrates court: JPS District judges
Civil law
Court of human rights in Strasbourg –> Supreme court –> Court of appeal –> High court -> County court