Introduction to Criminal, Civil, and Parliamentary Law

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the distinctions between criminal and civil law, common legal terms, the process of passing a bill, and the structure of the Australian Federal Parliament.

Criminal Law

Deals with crimes against society and can result in punishment.

Civil Law

Deals with disputes between individuals and usually results in compensation.

Criminal Law Example

Theft, assault, murder.

Civil Law Example

Negligence, defamation, breach of contract.

Rights of a Defendant

Right to remain silent, right to a lawyer, right to a fair trial, can plead guilty or not guilty.

Guilty Plea

The defendant admits the offence and no trial is needed.

Not Guilty Plea

The defendant denies the offence and the case goes to trial.

Crime Against the Person

A crime that harms another person, such as assault or murder.

Crime Against Property

A crime involving property, such as theft or arson.

Standard of Proof in Criminal Law

Beyond reasonable doubt.

Standard of Proof in Civil Law

Balance of probabilities.

Burden of Proof in Criminal Law

The prosecution must prove the accused is guilty.

Burden of Proof in Civil Law

The plaintiff must prove the defendant is responsible.

Criminal Case Citation

Prosecution v Smith (2025).

Civil Case Citation

Smith v Jones (2025).

Family Law Case Citation

Smith and Smith (2025).

Defamation

A false statement that damages someone's reputation.

Negligence

Failure to take reasonable care, causing harm to another person.

Bill

A proposed law that has not yet been passed.

Act of Parliament

A law that has been passed by Parliament and received Royal Assent.

Step 1 of Making a Law

Bill is introduced into Parliament.

Step 2 of Making a Law

First Reading.

Step 3 of Making a Law

Second Reading and debate.

Step 4 of Making a Law

Committee Stage.

Step 5 of Making a Law

Third Reading and vote.

Step 6 of Making a Law

Other House repeats the process.

Step 7 of Making a Law

Royal Assent.

Step 8 of Making a Law

Bill becomes an Act.

Parts of Federal Parliament

House of Representatives, Senate, Governor-General.

House of Representatives

Lower House where government is formed.

Senate

Upper House that reviews laws.

Governor-General

Gives Royal Assent to bills.

Voting System for House of Representatives

Preferential voting.

Voting System for Senate

Proportional representation.

Federal Election Frequency

Usually every $3$ years.

Compulsory Voting

Australian citizens aged $18$ and over must vote.