Topic 3: Laws & Citizens

Question 1

Criminal Law Definition.

Answer 1

Criminal laws concerned not only with the rights of individuals directly involved but also with the welfare of society as a whole.

Question 2

Criminal Law Purpose.

Answer 2

The criminal law’s purpose is to regulate the behaviours of individuals in the community.

Question 3

Summary Offences.

Answer 3

Summary offences are minor offences heard by a magistrate.

Question 4

Indictable Offences.

Answer 4

Indictable offences are serious offences that are heard before a judge and jury.

Question 5

Defendant (Criminal Law).

Answer 5

A defendant is a person charged with a criminal offence in a court.

Question 6

Civil Law Definition.

Answer 6

Civil laws regulate the behaviour of an individual and the community.

Question 7

Accused.

Answer 7

Accused is the term used to refer to a defendant in the County or Supreme Court.

Question 8

Civil Law Purpose.

Answer 8

The civil law’s purpose is to recognise that the rights of an individual have been infringed and to restore the injured party to their original position.

Question 9

Plaintiff.

Answer 9

A plaintiff is the person or organisation who is bringing the case to court.

Question 10

Defendant (Civil Law).

Answer 10

A defendant is the person or organisation who is disputing the claims made by the plaintiff.

Question 11

Balance Of Probabilities.

Answer 11

The balance of probabilities is how the court determines whether a person’s rights have been infringed.