Court Basics
What is the main purpose of courts?
To resolve disputes, apply the law and deliver justice.
Which WA court generally hears less serious criminal matters first?
The Magistrates Court.
A person is accused of stealing a phone. Criminal or civil?
Criminal.
Who presides over a court?
A judge or magistrate.
Why should everyone be treated equally before the law?
To ensure fairness and prevent people receiving different treatment because of their status or background.
What does justice mean?
Fairness and treating people according to the law.
What is the highest state court in Western Australia?
The Supreme Court of Western Australia.
A person sues a business over a faulty product. Criminal or civil?
Civil
What is a jury?
A group of citizens who assess evidence and decide questions of fact in cases where a jury is used.
What is the difference between criminal and civil proof standards?
Criminal cases require proof beyond reasonable doubt; civil cases use the balance of probabilities.
What does the rule of law mean?
Everyone, including the government, must follow the law.
Name the three main levels of WA's state court hierarchy, from lowest to highest.
Magistrates Court → District Court → Supreme Court.
What is a criminal case about?
An alleged offence against the law.
What is the role of the defence in a criminal trial?
To challenge the prosecution’s evidence and defend the accused by arguing that the case has not been proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Why might a serious criminal case be heard in a higher court?
The higher court has jurisdiction to hear more serious offences.
Why must courts be impartial?
To ensure decisions are fair and free from bias.
What is an appeal?
A request for a higher court to review a lower court's decision.
What is a civil case about?
A dispute between individuals, businesses or organisations.
What is the role of the prosecutor in a criminal trial?
To present evidence and try to prove that the accused committed the crime.
A person believes a judge made a legal error. What might they do?
They may appeal the decision if they have valid grounds.
How do courts help protect people's rights?
They apply the law fairly and help resolve disputes and protect legal rights.
Why are courts arranged in a hierarchy?
Different courts handle cases of different types and seriousness, and higher courts can hear appeals.
Give one example of a criminal case and one example of a civil case.
Criminal: theft. Civil: a contract dispute or claim for compensation.
Explain the difference between the role of a judge and a jury.
A judge manages the trial and decides legal issues; a jury considers evidence and decides facts or a verdict where applicable.
Explain how the court hierarchy supports justice.
It allows cases to be heard by courts with appropriate authority and provides a process for reviewing decisions through appeals.