Australian Political System
This is the name of Australia’s national law-making body.
What is the Parliament?
Australians over the age of 18 must do this by law during federal elections.
What is vote?
This is the main purpose of laws in society.
What is to maintain order (or protect people and property)?
This is the lowest court in Western Australia where most cases begin.
What is the Magistrates Court?
The standard of proof in criminal cases.
What is beyond reasonable doubt?
These two houses make up the Australian Parliament.
What are the House of Representatives and the Senate?
This type of voting system is used to elect members for the House of Representatives.
What is preferential voting?
These types of laws deal with disputes between individuals, such as negligence or contracts.
What is civil law?
The title for the accused in court.
Who is the defendant?
The concept that refers to when justice has not been achieved.
What is the miscarriage of justice?
This event created shared power between the Federal, State and Local governments in Australia.
What is Federation?
This independent body runs federal elections and maintains the electoral roll.
What is the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)?
This group is responsible for deciding guilt in serious criminal trials in higher courts.
What is a jury?
This court deals with the most serious criminal matters, such as murder.
What is the Supreme Court?
The type of evidence which is acceptable in the court room.
What is inadmissible evidence?
The Prime Minister is part of this group in the House of Representatives.
What is the majority?
These are the physical areas represented by Members of Parliament in the House of Representatives.
What are electorates?
The principle that ensures all accused individuals have the right to a fair trial.
What is innocent until proven guilty?
The option convicted felons can take if they are not happy with the outcome of their case.
What is an appeal?
The type of evidence which is not acceptable in the court room.
What is inadmissible evidence?
This system ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful by dividing authority into legislative, executive and judicial functions.
What is the separation of powers?
This document outlines how the nation is governed and can only be changed through a referendum.
What is the Australian Constitution?
This right ensures that all individuals are equal under the law.
What is the rule of law?
The type of court which handles cases where people under the age of 18 are being charged.
What is the children's court?
The party in a trial which holds the burden of proof.
What is the prosecution/plaintiff?