Law Reform
The process of the courts determining the meaning of the words in a statue
What is Statutory interpretation
One of the rights of an accused is a right to have a trial by this legal party
what is the jury
If you try to settle your dispute in court, they may order you to attend this process
what is mediation
A person who is initiating a civil claim
Who is the plaintiff
A term referring to the structure of a two house parliament that sounds a bit like a humped desert animal
What is bicameral
Twice as nice! For a referendum to pass in Australia, it must meet this voter requirement.
What is double majority
What a serious offence such as murder is classified as
what is an indictable offence
Similar to mediation, but the third party may make some suggestions to solve the dispute
what is conciliation
What you might submit if you disagree with a court's decision
What is an appeal
We have many rights, but only 5 are actually written in the constitution, known as these.
What are express rights
If you wish for change in the law, you may sign one of these documents
what is a petition
-DAILY DOUBLE- A deal the accused may make to plead guilty in exchange for benefits such as reduced charges
what is a plea negotiation
The dispute resolution body you might go to when your fridge is faulty, and the supplier is getting cold feet about a refund
what is Consumer affairs victoria
The limitation of actions for a negligence claim
What is 3 years
A part of the constitution that states if inconsistencies exist between state and federal legislation, then federal parliament overrules.
what is section 109
For the courts to hear a parties claim, the party must be directly affected by the issue, known as having this
what is Standing
The party in court that presents evidence on behalf of the state
what is the prosecution
A factor that may deter you from filing a claim in the courts. “I’m not made of money!”
what are costs
This compensation is awarded when the courts want to say “you’re legally deserving of money, but we disagree with your morals”
What are contemptuous damages
-DAILY DOUBLE- When the government holds most of the seats in the upper house, it is referred to this printing tool.
What is a rubber stamp
A type of precedent that a court may choose to follow, but is not legally required to.
what is a persuasive precedent
A factor that may cause the judge to take pity on you, and lower your sentence
what are mitigating factors
Not a judge, but they can make legally binding decisions all the same
Who is an arbitrator
Common in class actions, this third party will pay for some of the costs associated with a civil claim in exchange for a share of the damages.
What is a litigation funder
Global issues that may have an influence on parliaments decisions
What are international preassures