Legal System & Criminal Justice: Key Concepts and Procedures

Law

A set of rules recognised and enforced by authorities to regulate society.

Justice

The principle of upholding rights and enforcing responsibilities fairly.

Legal System

The system of courts, police, and legal institutions in a country.

Criminal Justice System

The organisations and processes that respond to crime, including police, courts, and corrections.

Fairness

Legal processes being free from bias and giving all parties a fair hearing.

Equality

Everyone being treated equally before the law without discrimination.

Access

The ability for people to understand and use the legal system.

Rule of Law

The principle that no one is above the law.

Procedural Fairness

The right to present a case, be heard fairly, and have unbiased decision-makers.

Actus Reus

The physical act of committing a crime.

Mens Rea

The mental intent to commit a crime.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt

The standard of proof needed in criminal cases.

Balance of Probabilities

The standard of proof used in civil cases.

Burden of Proof

The responsibility of proving a claim in court.

Accused

A person charged with a criminal offence.

Complainant

The person who reports or is affected by a crime.

Bail

Money or conditions used to ensure an accused person returns to court.

Jury

A group of citizens who decide a verdict based on evidence.

Verdict

The formal decision made in a court case.

Acquittal

A judgment that a person is not guilty.

Conviction

A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a crime.

Appeal

A request for a higher court to review a decision.

Due Process

Fair treatment through established legal procedures.

Double Jeopardy

Being tried twice for the same offence after acquittal or conviction.

Search and Seizure

The legal process of searching for and taking evidence.

Warrant

A legal document authorising police action such as a search or arrest.

Evidence

Information used to prove facts in court.

Crime Scene Investigation

The process of collecting and analysing evidence from a crime scene.

Detectives

Police officers who investigate serious or complex crimes.

Forensics

The scientific examination of evidence related to crime.

Indictment

A formal charge for a serious criminal offence.

Arraignment

A court hearing where charges are read and pleas entered.

Felony

A serious criminal offence.

Sanction

A punishment or penalty imposed for breaking the law.

Sentence

The punishment given to a guilty offender.

Youth Justice Centres

Facilities for young offenders serving sentences or detention.

Recidivism

The tendency of offenders to reoffend.

Doli Incapax

The presumption that children under a certain age cannot fully understand wrongdoing.

Human Rights Charter

A law protecting and promoting human rights in Victoria.

Civil Law

Law dealing with disputes between individuals or organisations.

Criminal Law

Law dealing with offences against society or the state.

Prosecution

The legal party bringing criminal charges against an accused person.

Defendant

The person accused in a court case.

Magistrate

A judicial officer who hears less serious cases.

Judge

A court official who oversees legal proceedings and applies the law.

Witness

A person who gives evidence in court.

Cross-Examination

The questioning of a witness by the opposing side.

Legal Aid

Assistance provided to people who cannot afford legal representation.

Corrections

The part of the justice system responsible for managing offenders.

Detention

The act of holding someone in custody.

Probation

A court order allowing an offender to remain in the community under supervision.

Parole

Early release from prison under conditions.

Rehabilitation

Programs designed to help offenders avoid future crime.

Punishment

A penalty imposed for breaking the law.

Crime Control Model

A justice approach focused on reducing crime efficiently.

Consensus Model

The idea that justice agencies work together cooperatively.

Conflict Model

The idea that justice agencies act in their own interests.

Ethics

Rules or standards guiding behaviour and conduct.

Values

Principles or standards considered important in society.

Customs

Traditions or behaviours developed over time in society.

Customary Law

Laws developed from long-standing traditions and practices.