Origin
A document that limited the powers of the king and established certain legal rights, such as the right to a fair trial.
The Magna Carta
Laws that are made through passing an Act of Parliament.
Statute Law
The way courts are arranged.
Hierarchy
What happens when you commit a crime and are caught.
Arrest
If someone is accused of a crime, they are treated as innocent until it is proven that they are guilty. What is this referred to as?
Presumption of innocence.
When the first fleet arrived, British law was applied to the NSW colony. As Australia grew over time, these laws adapted to the unique circumstances of the colonies.
Colonial Law
Laws that are made by court procedures and decisions made by judges and juries.
Common Law
They award damages for financial loss, injury, or property damage for some cases, such as: residential tenancies.
VCAT
Formal reading of a criminal charging document to inform the defendant of the criminal charges against them.
Arraignment
Responsible for interpreting laws
The Judge
A set of rules by which Australia is governed.
Constitution
Law that's concerned with actions which violate the basic rules and principles by which society lives
Criminal Law
Civil cases involving amounts over $100 000
County Court
The next step after a guilty plea.
Sentencing
A legal principle or rule established in a previous court case.
Precedent
The unification of our colonies.
Federation
Laws that are concerned with resolving disputes between individuals or groups.
Civil Law
Hears appeals from district courts.
Supreme Court
The action a defendant can take if they aren't happy with their sentence.
Appeal
Factors that might lessen the severity of the sentence
Mitigating Circumstances
An act of the British Parliament which allowed countries apart of the empire to govern themselves more independently to the crown.
Statute of Westminster
Traditional rules and practices that regulate behaviour within Indigenous communities.
Customary Lore
The lowest level where a jury can be present.
County Court
A trial rendered invalid due to an error or serious misconduct, resulting in the need for a new trial.
Mistrial
Factors that might increase the severity of the sentence
Aggravating Circumstances