Unit 1

Legal Foundations

100

This principle ensures a person is consider innocent until proven guilty. 

Presumption of Innocence

200

The standard of proof required in a criminal trial and civil trial. 

Beyond Reasonable Doubt.

On balance of probabilities.

300

Explain the relationship between common law and statute law

• Statute law is supreme: If a statute conflicts with common law, the statute prevails.
• Common law interprets statute law: Judges apply and interpret statutes in court cases.
• Statute law can codify common law: For example, the Civil Liability Act 2003 (Qld) codifies aspects of negligence.
• They work together: Statute law provides the framework, and common law fills in the details through interpretation and precedent.

400

Explain the difference between onus of proof and standard of proof

The onus of proof determines who must prove their case, while the standard of proof determines how convincing that evidence must be. 

2

500

Explain the difference between adversial systems and inquisitorial systems of criminal justice. 

Adversarial System

• Judge acts as a neutral umpire.
• Prosecution and defence present their own cases.
• Evidence is gathered and presented by the parties.
• Often includes a jury to determine guilt.
• Focus is on protecting the rights of the accused and ensuring a fair contest.

Inquisitorial System

• Judge plays an active role in investigating the case.
• Judge questions witnesses and gathers evidence.
• Less reliance on lawyers to present the case.
• Usually no jury; judge decides the outcome.
• Focus is on discovering the truth through judicial inquiry

Criminal Trial Process

100

The role of this person is to represent the state in prosecuting criminal cases

Crown prosecutor

200

Court Hierarchy

Magistrates

District

Supreme

High

300

Explain what a majority verdict is.

11 out of 12 jurors agree that an accused is guilty or not guilty.

400

This court hears the most serious criminal offences in Queensland.

Supreme Court

500

Explain the process involved in selecting a jury for a trial. 

Ballot

Notice to prospective juror

Second ballot

Summons

Empanelment

Swearing in

Duty of Care and negligence

100

What are the elements required to prove a negligence case in court?

Duty of care owed, duty of care breached, injury/damage to plaintiff

200

What is the name of the Act in QLD that sets out the elements of negligence?

Civil Liabilities Act 2003

300

What is contributory negligence?

A defence that can be used where it is argued the plaintiff is partly responsible for their own harm. 

400

What is the name of the case that established the modern law of negligence?

Donoghue V Stevenson. 

500

What is voluntary assumption of risk?

A defendant who establishes that the plaintiff voluntarily accepted the risk is absolved(freed) from all responsibility. Thus voluntary acceptance is a complete defence to a claim for negligence.

General Knowledge

100

This social media platform faced a potential ban in the United States in January 2025 due to national security concerns.

Tik Tok

200

This Australian city was named one of the world’s most liveable cities in 2025, praised for its green spaces and public transport.

Melbourne

300

This global sporting event, featuring teams from around the world, is being hosted in England in 2025.

Rugby League World Cup

400

This Chinese zodiac animal represents the year 2025, beginning on January 29.

Snake

500

This international summit on artificial intelligence is being held in Paris in 2025.

AI Action Summit