Year 7 Civics Test 1 2026

Original laws

Guidelines regulating behaviour created by a government that apply to everyone within that community.

Role of Courts

Peacefully resolve disputes between individuals or groups, decide if a person accused of a crime is guilty, and sometimes hear appeals.

Burden of proof

The responsibility of the party that must bring evidence to prove guilt or liability. Criminal: Prosecution has the burden; Civil: Plaintiff has the burden.

Prosecution

A government body that brings charges against a person accused of breaking the law.

Plaintiff

A person who brings a civil case against another in a court of law.

Civil Law

Laws governing relationships between private individuals/groups defining their legal rights.

Criminal Law

Laws defining crimes against the public order/society.

Standard of proof

The degree to which a case must be proved in court. Criminal = beyond all reasonable doubt; Civil = balance of probability.

Rule of Law

The principle that law applies to everyone, including those who govern.

Presumption of Innocence

The right of a person accused of a crime to be presumed not guilty unless proven otherwise.

Jury

A legal group of people sworn to make a decision or verdict in a legal case after listening to all the evidence.

High court

The highest court in Australia, established by the Constitution, with authority to interpret the Constitution and hear appeals from the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court

Hears the most serious criminal cases resulting in a life sentence and large civil law suits greater than $750,000.

District Court

Hears serious crimes + 75k-750k dollar civil cases; appeals from Magistrates' Court.

Magistrate Court

The lowest court dealing with mostly petty crimes and small civil lawsuits under $75,000.

Legal Representation

A lawyer who helps represent your claims in court.

Fair trial

A trial that follows correct processes & procedures, with an independent judge/jury.

Magna Carta (1215)

A charter of liberties that made the king obey the same laws as citizens, inspiring concepts like the Rule of Law.

Witness

A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place.

Defendant

An individual or group being sued or charged with a crime.

Verdict

The decision made by a jury in a trial; Criminal: Guilty or Not Guilty; Civil: Liable or Not Liable.

Expert Witness

A person allowed to testify at a trial due to special knowledge relevant to the case.

Appeal

To ask a higher court to review a decision and determine if justice was done.

Code of Hammurabi

The earliest known legal code, drawn up by Babylonian king Hammurabi in the 18th century BC.

Judge

A person chosen to interpret laws, decide on a winner, or settle a dispute.

Jury foreperson

A member of the jury acting as lead juror who hands the verdict to the judge.

Solicitor

A legal professional providing legal advice and representing clients, often outside of court.

Barrister

A lawyer who specializes in representing clients in court and providing legal advice on complex issues.