legal study

High Court

The highest court that hears appeals from supreme courts and federal courts.

Federal Court

Handles cases involving bank robbery, intellectual property, and trade practices.

Family Court

A court that deals with family law, including divorce and child custody.

State Supreme Courts

The highest court in each state that hears serious criminal cases.

District Court

Intermediate courts that handle less serious cases.

Magistrates Court

The lowest court, dealing with minor criminal cases and civil disputes.

Civil Law

The area of law involving a plaintiff vs. defendant.

Criminal Law

The area of law involving a prosecutor vs. defendant.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt

The standard of proof required in criminal cases.

Separation of Powers

The principle that divides government responsibilities into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Common Law

Law made by judges through decisions in court cases.

Statute Law

Law made by parliament.

Constitution

The set of rules governing a country.

Causes of Youth Crime

Factors include family breakdown, substance abuse, and peer influence.

Federal Government Responsibilities

Includes immigration, currency, and taxation.

State Government Responsibilities

Includes education, health, and transport.

Local Government Responsibilities

Includes community facilities, waste management, and local planning.

Features of Law

Clarity, flexibility, and accessibility.

Purposes of Sentencing

Retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, incapacitation, and restitution.

Punitive

Referring to punishment.

Preventative

Referring to early intervention and support programs.

Remedy

Enforcing a right or compensating for a violation of a right.

Defamation

Making false statements about someone to damage their reputation.

Negligence

Failure to take proper care, resulting in damage or injury.

Burden of Proof

The responsibility of providing evidence for a disputed charge or allegation.

Appellate Jurisdiction

A court's authority to review decisions of lower courts.

Precedent

A previous case or legal decision.

Incarceration

Imprisonment.