Unit 3 AOS 1 : The victorian criminal justice B

Question 1

Victorian Court Hierarchy

Answer 1

• A ranking of courts based upon the severity and complexity of the cases in which they adjudicate.
  -Each court has its own jurisdiction

Question 2

Jurisdiction

Answer 2

The legal authority to decide legal cases

Question 2

Original jurisdiction

Answer 2

The power of a court to hear a case for the first time

Question 3

Appellate jurisdiction

Answer 3

The power of a court to hear a case on appeal

Question 4

Reason for Vic Court Hierarchy

Answer 4

Specialisation and Appeal

Question 5

Specialisation

Answer 5

• The level of expertise gained by the judge/ magistrate which is developed from hearing the same matters repeatedly
• Allows the judge/ Magistrate to resolve disputes in a more convenient, efficient and fair manner
• E.g
  Supreme court- Judge develops specialisation in in elements of a crimes

Question 6

Appeal

Answer 6

• The application/ process to have a higher court review a ruling/ decision/ judgement
• Allows dissatisfied with a judgement to take the matter to a higher court for review

Question 7

Strengths of Specialisation/ Appeals

Answer 7

• Specialisation allows for more efficient processes and saves resources
  The existence of the court hierarchy allows both parties to appeal their decision to a higher court

Question 8

Weaknesses of Specialisation/ Appeals

Answer 8

• The existence of many courts may be confusing for ordinary people with out a knowledge of the justice system
• Court hierarchy doesn’t allow for automatic right to appeal

Question 9

Key Personnel in the legal system

Answer 9

The judge, the Jury and the Parties

Question 10

Role of the judge

Answer 10

• Must be an unbiased individual, cannot favour one side and cannot have apprehended bias