Principles of Justice
Types of Law
Characteristics of an Effective Law
Criminal Law
Law Making in Parliament
100

All people engaging with the justice system and its processes should be treated in the same way.

 If the same treatment creates disparity or disadvantage, adequate measures should be implemented to avoid this.

What is equality?

100

This type of law deals with disputes individuals and their rights.

What is civil law?

100

For a law to be effective, it must be clearly stated and easy to understand.

What is clear and understandable?

100

Guilty action or inaction

What is actus reus? 

100

A legislative body responsible for making laws that apply to the State of Victoria

Victorian Parliament


200

This principle refers to the need for impartial and unbiased decision-makers in the legal system.

What is fairness?

200

This type of law protects society by prohibiting certain acts and punishing those who commit them.

What is criminal law?

200

This characteristic means a law can be implemented, for example, through police, courts, or regulatory bodies.

What is enforceable? 

200
Guilty mind

What is mens rea?

200

The name given to a proposed law before it is passed by Parliament

What is a bill?

300

This principle requires that all people should be able to understand their legal rights and responsibilities, and have the means to use the legal system.

What is access?

300

Laws made by parliament.

What is statute law?

300

Community awareness of the law

What is known to the public?

300

The party that has the burden of proof

What is the prosecution?

300

The final approval of a bill before it becomes a law

What is royal assent? 

400

Providing legal aid services and the right to legal representation upholds this. 

What is access?

400

Law made by judges.

What is common law?

400

The law is in line with community beliefs and opinions.

What is reflects societies values?

400

The level of certainty required for a conviction in a criminal case.

What is beyond reasonable doubt? 

400

The two houses of Victorian Parliament

What are the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council?

500

The right to legal representation and the presumption of innocence are examples of how the legal system aims to achieve this principle.

What is fairness?

500

To return the wronged party to their original position, often through remedies like damages.

What is the aim of civil law?

500

The law does not need to be frequently changed or updated.

What is stable? 

500

A type of offence that doe not require the prosecution to prove mens rea.

What is a strict liability offence? 

500

The supreme law-making body

Parliament