U1AOS1: Legal Foundations Flashcards
Rule
Made by private individuals/groups. Only apply to a specific group of people and enforcement can vary.
Law
Made by legal institution such as parliaments and the courts. Apply to all of society and are enforceable by the courts and the police.
Date of Federation
January 1st, 1901
Parliament
A formal assemble composed of elected representatives who make laws, with the exception of the Governor-General who is appointed.
Significance of the Constitution
-Establishes parliament
-Establishes the lawmaking powers of Cth +States
-Establishes the judicial role of the HC
-Establishes how the constitution can be changed
Social Cohesion
Willingness of members of a society to cooperate with each other in order to survive and prosper
Role of individuals in SC
By following the law- ‘everyone doing their bit’
By using offical methods of reform law if viewed as unjust
Role of law in SC
Set up guidelines, create boundaries to protect individuals, establish rule of law
Role of LS in SC
Ensuring that institutions exist to effectively create, implement and enforce the law
Include: parliament, the police, courts and flexibility to sanctions
Fairness:
All people can participate in the judicial system and its processes should be impartial and open
Formal Equality
-Everyone receives same treatment regardless personal differences/characteristics
-One size fits all approach
Substantive Equality
-Adjustments put in place when formal equality X work + create disadvantage/ disparity
Access:
Ability to engage with LS and its processes on an informed basis
Characteristics of an effective law: Reflect society’s values
-Belief, principle/idea re. how we should behave + treat others
-Laws must change to align w/ current societal values eg, same sex marriage + legalising cannabis
Characteristics of an effective law: Enforceable
-Breaking -> can be apprehended + charged in a criminal case/sued in civil proceedings
-enforced by courts, various govt agencies (EPA + VicRoads) + police