Grade 12 Law Exam

Natural Law Theorists

Believers that laws should reflect moral principles inherent in human nature. (e.g., John Locke)

Positive Law Theorists

Believers that laws are rules created by human beings and are not based on moral principles. (e.g., John Austin)

John Locke

A natural law theorist who advocated for equality, government through legislature, and justified revolt against governments not serving the common good.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

A philosopher who believed humans are innately free but corrupted by society; advocated governance through the 'general will'.

Utilitarianism

A moral theory promoted by Jeremy Bentham stating that the best action is the one that maximizes utility, often defined as that which produces the greatest well-being.

John Austin

A positive law theorist who claimed that law promotes happiness and separates law from morality.

Karl Marx

Critic of law as a tool for elite dominance, advocating for collectivism over individual rights.

John Rawls

Philosopher asserting that justice arises in a society where wealth disparities are concealed.

Political Spectrum

A system used to characterize and classify different political positions relative to one another.

Demographic Changes

Changes in population that necessitate new laws to address emerging societal needs.

Technological Advancements

New inventions require legal frameworks to regulate them, leading to evolving laws.

NAFTA

A trade agreement between Canada, the US, and Mexico aimed at eliminating trade barriers.

EU

A partnership of 27 European countries allowing free movement of goods, services, capital, and people.

Brexit

The United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, official in 2020.

USMCA

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, replacing NAFTA and updating trade provisions.

ICC

The International Criminal Court, established to prosecute crimes when countries are unable or unwilling.

Treaty Negotiation Stages

Consists of negotiation, signing, ratification, and implementation.

Airspace Sovereignty

Each country has sovereignty over the airspace above its territory.

Outer Space Law

Outer space is not owned by any nation, and natural resources cannot be claimed.

Continental Shelf Rights

Coastal states have rights to explore and exploit natural resources on their continental shelves.

Internal Waters Sovereignty

Coastal states exercise full sovereignty over internal waters as part of their territory.

Sanctions

Restrictions imposed to encourage a change in behavior, often affecting economic well-being.

Subsidies

Government grants to keep costs low in particular sectors; can lead to market inefficiencies.

UN General Assembly

The main forum for discussion within the United Nations.

UN Security Council

Responsible for maintaining peace, comprising 15 members, 5 of whom are permanent with veto power.

UN Secretariat

Manages the day-to-day operations of the UN, led by the Secretary-General.

International Court of Justice

Judicial body of the UN that resolves legal disputes between states.

UN Declaration

A document voted on by the General Assembly members outlining human rights and other principles.

Unilateral Agreements

One-sided agreements made by one country.

Bilateral Agreements

Agreements between two countries.

Multilateral Agreements

Agreements involving more than two countries.

Diplomatic Immunity

Legal protection granted to diplomats from prosecution under host country laws.

Diplomatic Asylum

Protection granted to individuals in foreign embassies or consulates.

NGO

Non-governmental organization that operates independently, often funded by donations.

IMF

International Monetary Fund, provides loans to distressed governments.

WTO

World Trade Organization, ensures smooth trade flow and contributes to economic growth.

World Bank

Provides financial and technical assistance to reduce poverty and improve living standards.

Peacekeeping Funding

Funded by obligatory payments from UN member countries based on income.

Copenhagen Accord

An environmental agreement that provided funding for developing nations, but was non-binding.