True or False
The Federal Government responsibilities are outlined in the Constitution.
True
What is the primary role of the police in the Australian legal system?
Enforce laws and maintain public order.
What does 'Equality before the law' mean?
All people are treated equally regardless of status.
What is the highest court in Australia?
High Court.
What case showed how the media can influence public opinion in Australia recently?
Brittany Higgins case.
All citizens in Australia have the right to a fair trial.
True.
What is the role of a judge in a court case?
Interpret and apply the law fairly
What is meant by an 'independent judiciary'?
Judges are free from influence of government/politics.
Which court comes after the Supreme Court in QLD?
Court of Appeal.
Name one way the media influenced the Brittany Higgins case.
Discussion on social media, news coverage, public opinion pressure.
The media has no influence on political choices in Australia.
False.
What is the function of a jury in a criminal trial?
Decide whether the accused is guilty or innocent based on the evidence provided.
Describe one step in the process for changing the Constitution.
1.Proposed in parliament lower house.
2.Pases through parliament
3.Electoral commission distributes information about proposed changes
4.Referendum voting
5.Double majority.
What is the lowest court in the QLD court hierarchy?
Magistrates Court.
Was the media influence mostly positive or negative for anyone in the case? Give an example.
Positive for raising awareness, negative for fairness of trial.
A jury must reach a unanimous or majority verdict in most serious criminal cases.
True.
The rule of law means…?
Everyone, including government officials, must follow the law.
What are the three levels of government in Australia?
Local, State, Federal.
Put these in order from highest to lowest: Magistrates, District, Supreme, Court of Appeal, High Court.
High Court of Australia
Court of Appeal
Supreme Court
District Court
Magistrates Court
What was one effect of the media’s influence on the case?
Shaped debate, political pressure, public reaction.
Judges can ignore the law if they believe it is unfair.
False.
Name two characteristics we expect from a judge.
Fairness, independence, integrity, impartiality, knowledge of the law.
Give one responsibility for each level of government
Local: Rubbish collection
State: Schools (Education)
Federal: Defence
Explain why having different levels of courts is important.
Appeals process, workload distribution, seriousness of cases matched to appropriate courts
Why is media influence sometimes seen as a risk for justice?
Can create bias, influence juries, undermine fair trial.