Basic Legal Concepts
A set of rules imposed on all members of a community which are officially recognised, binding and enforceable by persons or organisations such as the police and/or courts
Law
What is the main source of statute law in Australia?
Parliament
Criminal offences that can be dealt with by a single judge without a jury and do not require a preliminary hearing
Summary offences?
“National Treasures” is a song by Drake. Which Drake album is it from?
ICEMAN
What are the two broad categories used to classify disputes in the Australian legal system?
Criminal law and civil law.
What are the three key principles of justice?
Equality, Fairness and Access
What is the legal principle that requires courts to follow relevant decisions made by higher courts called?
Doctrine of precedent (stare decisis)
A person is unhappy with a decision made in the NSW District Court. Which court can generally hear an appeal from the District Court?
The Supreme Court of NSW, or the Court of Appeal or Court of Criminal Appeal, depending on the case.
“Be curious, not judgmental.”
Which popular TV show is this quote from?
Ted Lasso
Which classification of law deals with offences against the state or society?
Criminal law.
Name one principle of procedural fairness (Natural Justice)
The right to be heard, the right to an unbiased decision-maker, or the requirement that decisions are based on relevant evidence.
What is one key different between statute law and common law?
Statute law is made by Parliament, while common law is developed by judges through court decisions.
What is the difference between binding precedent and persuasive precedent?
Binding precedent must be followed by a lower court, while persuasive precedent may be considered but does not have to be followed.
Which NBA superstar made headlines in the 2026 trade period after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers?
Anthony Davis
What is the main difference between the burden of proof in criminal and civil cases?
Criminal cases must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, while civil cases are decided on the balance of probabilities.
A NSW court is hearing a case and there is a previous decision from a higher NSW court involving a similar legal issue. What type of precedent is this?
Binding precedent.
How many different countries has Miss Jeffcoat travelled to?
20
the degree or level of proof required in order for the plaintiff (in a civil case) or the prosecution (in a criminal case) to prove their case
The Rule of Law is being undermined because the law should apply equally to everyone, including those in positions of power.
The NSW Parliament passes a new Act that changes law relating to young people. A later court requires a judge to interpret and apply that Act to a specific situation. Which two sources of law are involved?
Statute law (the Act made by Parliament) and common law (the court's interpretation/application of the law through its decision).
What are concurrent powers, and what happens if a valid Commonwealth law conflicts with a state law in an area of concurrent power?
Concurrent powers are powers that can be exercised by both the Commonwealth and state governments. If a valid Commonwealth law conflicts with a state law, Section 109 of the Constitution provides that the Commonwealth law prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup expanded to 48 teams. How many teams advanced from the group stage to the Round of 32, and how many teams were eliminated after the group stage?
32 teams advanced, while 16 teams were eliminated
A person is charged with assault after attacking another person. The victim also wants compensation for medical expenses and emotional harm. Explain how this situation could involve both criminal and civil law.
The assault is a criminal matter because it is an offence against society and the state may prosecute. The victim may also bring a civil action to seek compensation for damages suffered.