Casebook 1
Liam spray-paints graffiti on a Melbourne train station. Which type of law deals with this case?
Criminal law
A fight in a shopping centre — someone is injured. Do they go to criminal court or sue for compensation?
Could be BOTH — criminal (assault) + civil (damages)
A student shares a classmate’s embarrassing photo online without permission. Should this be handled by police or by the families?
Could be Criminal law (harassment) OR Civil law (privacy/defamation)
A teenager disrespects sacred ground and Elders step in to guide the outcome. Which type of law deals with this case?
Customary law
A business in Brisbane copies another company’s logo and uses it. Which type of law deals with intellectual property theft?
Civil law (but may involve criminal law in some cases)
Two teenagers crash their e-scooters into each other on a bike path and both are injured. Which type of law is responsible?
Civil law (negligence) OR possibly Criminal
Zoe wants her neighbour to pay for scratching her car in Brisbane. Which type of law deals with this case?
Civil law
A tourist disrespects cultural protocol on sacred Country. Should court handle it or should Elders decide?
Customary law may apply — depending on recognition
A First Nations family disagrees with a company about digging near an important cultural site. Which types of law should decide?
Customary law + Civil law
Harper is caught riding the tram without a ticket in Adelaide. Which type of law deals with this case?
Criminal law
A driver crashes into another car because they ran a red light — which laws deal with this situation?
Criminal law (traffic offence) AND civil law (repairs/damages)
During a footy match, a player pushes another after the whistle and causes injury. Which type of law handles this?
Criminal law (assault) OR Civil law (suing for damages)
Mia gets food poisoning at a restaurant and wants compensation. Which type of law deals with this case?
Civil law
Someone threatens harm online and causes emotional damage — what type of law applies?
Criminal law (threats) OR civil law (emotional distress)
A tourist takes artefacts from sacred land without asking. Which type (s) of law should handle the case?
Customary law (permission/elders) AND possibly Criminal (removal of protected items)