politics and law

Rule of Law

The principle that all individuals and government must obey the law, ensuring equality before the law for all citizens.

Features of Rule of Law

Includes no one above the law, equal application of law, presumption of innocence, and independence of judiciary.

Appeal

A legal process in which a party requests a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court.

Doctrine of Precedent

once a decisions has been made on legal principles by a higher court it is a general principle ( not specific ) and is followed by others

Binding Precedent

a decision made by a higher court that MUST BE followed in the lower courts

Persuasive Precedent

A precedent that is not mandatory but may influence other courts when deciding cases.

Presumption of Innocence

The principle that any person charged with a criminal offense is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Rules of Evidence

Regulations governing the admissibility and conduct of evidence in trials.

Natural Justice

The requirement for fairness in legal proceedings, including the opportunity for parties to present their case.

Trial by Jury

A legal process in which a jury of citizens participates in the determination of a case's outcome.

Court Hierarchy

The structured organization of courts that determines jurisdiction and provides a system for appeals.

Types of Crimes: Summary

Minor offenses that are not classified as serious crimes, such as disorderly conduct or public indecency.

Types of Crimes: Indictable

Serious criminal offenses like rape, murder, and robbery that are tried in higher courts.

Sanctions

Penalties imposed by the legal system to protect society from lawbreakers.

Deterrence

The aim of sanctions to prevent people from committing crimes in the future.

Rehabilitation

The process of reforming offenders through education and counseling to reintegrate them into society.

Admissible Evidence

Any evidence presented in court that is accepted as valid and relevant to a case.

Direct Evidence

Evidence that directly establishes a fact in dispute, such as eyewitness testimony.

Circumstantial Evidence

Indirect evidence that requires inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact.

Hearsay Evidence

Testimony that relies on the repetition of what another person said, typically excluded from court.

Admissions

Statements acknowledging certain facts, but not an admission of guilt in crimes.

Confessions

Statements made by an accused acknowledging their guilt in committing a crime.

Expert Witness

A witness who provides specialized knowledge relevant to a case, subject to the court's discretion.

Character Witness

A person who testifies about another's character and credibility, potentially influencing trial outcomes.