Cornerstone of Democracy
This independent body is responsible for conducting Australian federal elections and referendums
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)
This fundamental principle states that everyone must obey the law, and that no one—including the Prime Minister—is above it.
The Rule of Law
These are laws made directly by the Commonwealth or state parliaments.
Statutory Law (or Statutes)
This branch of law deals with private disputes between individuals or organisations, such as contract or property issues.
This key term defines the specific types of cases that a particular court has the authority to hear.
Jurisdiction
To vote in an Australian federal election, a citizen must be at least this age.
18 Years Old
This central principle of the Australian legal system states that all parties are entitled to be treated fairly by a court without discrimination.
Equality before the law
This form of law is developed by judges through court decisions rather than passed by a parliament.
Common Law (or case law / judge-made law)
In civil law disputes, the outcome usually involves monetary compensation rather than this severe criminal sanction.
Imprisonment (or jail time)
This is the highest court in the Australian legal system, which deals with constitutional issues and overrules lower courts.
The High Court of Australia
Once enrolled, this civic action is mandatory in Australian federal elections, by-elections, and referendums.
Voting (Compulsory voting)
Passed in 1975, this Commonwealth Act protects human rights and outlaws discrimination based on race.
The Racial Discrimination Act 1975
This term refers to a previous court decision used by judges to guide and resolve future similar cases.
A precedent
These are minor crimes, like traffic infringements or petty theft, which are dealt with quickly and cheaply by a magistrate.
Summary offences
This is the right of a dissatisfied party with reasonable grounds to have their case reviewed by a higher court
The right to appeal
This geographical area is represented by a member of parliament, and is also commonly referred to as a 'seat'.
An electorate
To ensure they are not disadvantaged due to age, children under 18 must have one of these present during police questioning.
A parent, guardian, or independent adult
Because this body is the supreme law-making authority, it has the power to overrule any laws made by judges in court.
The Parliament
In criminal law, this term refers to the prosecution's duty to prove that the accused is guilty.
The burden of Proof
Name three official responsibilities of an Australian citizen listed by the Department of Home Affairs.
Any 3: Follow/obey law, vote, serve on jury duty, defend Australia, respect rights/liberties
This system of voting requires voters to mark a preference for every single candidate listed on their ballot paper.
Preferential voting
This government-funded but independent body provides free or low-cost legal advice and lawyers to disadvantaged Victorians.
Victoria Legal Aid
This legal doctrine states that lower courts must make decisions consistent with precedents set by higher courts in their hierarchy.
The doctrine of precedent
These are serious crimes, such as homicide, which require a trial by judge and jury in a higher court.
Indictable offences
This concept involves being part of a wider world community and having civic responsibilities that extend beyond Australia.
Global citizenship