Doctrine of Precedent
Division of Powers
Seperation of Powers
General
100

The common law principal which binds a judge or magistrate to follow previous or similar decisions of higher courts in the same hierarchy.

What is Doctrine of Precedent

100

Powers granted to the Commonwealth government only

What are the Exclusive powers

100

Where Commonwealth government has three independent functions

What is Separation of powers.

100

What underlies the legal system in a democratic country

Rule of Law

200

Non binding precedent that a court may choose to follow

What is Persuasive precedent

200

The power granted to the commonwealth jointly shared with the states.

What is Concurrent Power

200

Interpretation, adjudication and enforcement

What is Judicial power

200

Develops through a series of court cases and relies on legal principals.

What is Common Law

300

The key legal reason for the decision

What is Ratio decidendi

300

Power that is not exclusive or concurrent

What are Residual powers

300

Law making power

What is Legislative Power

300

The courts look to the normal and generally accepted meaning of the words used in the statutory provision

What is The literal rule

400

Comments made "by the way" not affecting the outcomes of the key legal reason

What is Obiter dicta

400

Restricts the legislative capacity of the Commonwealth

What is Division of powers

400

Power held to govern and administer the law

What is Executive power

400

Developed to overcome an unjust or unfair common law outcome

What is Equity

500

It has a particular importance in shaping common law in ALL Australian jurisdictions.

What is the High Court of Australia.

500

Removed all remaining legal links between the Australian and British governments.

What is The Australia Act 1986 (Cth)

500

The framework for law making abilities

What is The Constitution

500

Original jurisdiction includes summary offences and disputes up to $150,000.

What is: Magistrates Court