U3 AOS1 The Judge, The Jury And The Parties

Question 1

Evidence

Answer 1

Information, documents and other materials used to prove the facts in a legal case

Question 2

Hearsay evidence

Answer 2

Evidence given by a person who did not personally witness the thing that is being stated to the court as true

Question 3

Disparity

Answer 3

A situation in which two or more things or people are not equal, and the inequality causes unfairness

Question 4

Barrister

Answer 4

An independent lawyer with specialist skills in dispute resolution and advocacy who is engaged on behalf of a party (usually by the solicitor). In Victoria, the legal profession is divided into two branches: solicitors and barristers.

Question 5

Victim impact statement

Answer 5

A statement filed with the court by a victim that is considered by the court when sentencing. It contains particulars of any injury, lost or damaged suffered by the victim as a result of the offence.

Question 6

Magna Carta

Answer 6

A “peace treaty” made in England in 1215 between the barons (Noblemen who pledged their allegiance to the king) and the king

Question 7

Jury directions

Answer 7

Instructions given by a judge to a jury either during or at the end of a trial

Question 8

Unanimous verdict

Answer 8

A decision where all the jury members Are in agreement and decide the same way (they all agree they accused is guilty).

Question 9

Majority verdict

Answer 9

A decision where all but one of the members of the jury agree

Question 10

Victorian Law Reform Commission (VLRC)

Answer 10

Victoria’s leading independent law reform organisation. The VLRC reviews, researchers and makes recommendations to the state parliament about possible changes to Victoria’s laws

Question 11

Examination-in-chief

Answer 11

The questioning of one’s on witness in court in order to prove one’s own case and disapprove the opponent’s case

Question 12

Cross examination

Answer 12

The questioning of a witness called by the other side in a legal case