THE LEGAL SYSTEM Flashcards
Definition of Law?
the system of rules which a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members and which it may enforce by the imposition of penalties
Definition of Customs?
a usage of common practice to many or a particular place, class or habitual
Definition of Rule?
a set of explicit or understood regulations or principles governing a conduct or procedure within a particular area of activity
Definition of Values?
principles or standards of behaviour; one’s own judgement of what is important in life.
Definition of Ethics?
moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour or conduct of an activity. often as a group or society.
What are the characteristics of just laws?
applies to everyone equally, reflects widely held values/ethics, utilitarian, redressed inequalities, minimises delays, not retrospective, must be known.
What are the aspects of the Nature of justice?
equality, fairness, access
Definition of fairness and what it ensures?
ensures that laws do not impact an individual or group harshly - appeal rights are an important aspect of this as they can correct errors in the process
ensures laws do not have negative effects -
Definition of equality and what it ensures?
the enforcement of the law must be equal- justice is achieved when laws do not discriminate and apply equally to all people - must take in peoples capacities and vulnerabilities.
Definition of access and what it ensures?
everyone has access and is given the opportunity to utilise the law and assistance with it - legal aid and lawyers in order to properly understand the law - barriers like cost and language may prevent this.
What are procedural fairness principles?
right to be heard, and the right to an impartial decision-maker.
What is the rule of law?
everyone, regardless of position or status, is subjected to the law and must follow it.
Definition of anarchy?
absence of a government; a state of lawlessness or a political disorder
Definition of tyranny?
cruel and oppressive government or rule
outline what the adversarial system is
a legal system where two advocates represent their parties positions before an impartial judge and sometimes a jury
what are the 3 main bodies in an adversarial system?
prosecutor, defendant, judge
What is common law?
refers to law made by judges hearing disputes in court. This is also known as case law. follows doctrine of precedent.
What is equity?
a body of law that provides a remedy in situations where the application of common law would’ve lead to injustice - operates alongside common law.
Definition of remedy?
a coirt ordered solution to a dispute that enforces a right or rights a wrong in some way.
Definition of petition?
a formal request to a person in authority for some favour, right, mercy or assistance
What are some differences between common law and equity?
- equity is more flexible and responsive to individual circumstances
- common law is more consistent and rigid
- equity offers more suitable remedies
What is a precedent?
a case that is the first of its kind that establishes a new legal principle and that is subsequently used to guide decision-making in lower courts. standardised common law system.
What are the two parliamentary houses?
The senate (upper house green) and House of representatives (lower house red)
How is a bill passed?
A bill must pass through the House of Representatives, and then through to the Senate. If passed by the Senate, must be given royal ascent, and then it becomes law.
About the doctrine of precedent and its rules? (what is binding, persuasive etc)
- decisions of higher courts are binding to
lower courts, - the high court or same-level court is not
binded by its own decisions - International courts are not binding
(persuasive) - The binding part is ratio decidendi (the reasoning)
What is the local council and what are examples of their roles?
council of people elected by the community to make decisions about local law. examples include parking, permits, and garbage collection.
what is the constitution?
a set of fundamental rules by which Australia is governed and the supreme law under which the Australian government operates. Further, this provides a commonwealth judiciary in the form of a high court, and is used by parliament to enact legislation and relationships between commonwealth and state and territories.
What is the division of powers?
refers to the way that the legislative power is divided between the Australian government, state government, and local. Also referred to as the three levels of government.