Glossary

Jurisdiction

The powers of a court, depending on its geographic area, the type of matters that can be decided, and the type of remedies that can be sought.

Defamation

The act of making statements or suggestions that cause damage to a person's reputation in the community.

Summary offence

A criminal offence that can be dealt with by a single judge without a jury and does not require a preliminary hearing.

Indictable offence

A serious criminal offence that requires an indictment and a preliminary hearing; it is typically tried before a judge and jury and is subject to greater penalties than non-indictable offences.

Committal hearing

An inquiry held in the Local Court or Magistrate’s Court to determine whether there is enough evidence against the defendant to warrant a trial in a higher court.

Coronial inquest

An investigation into a death that has occurred in unusual circumstances, held in the Coroner’s Court and overseen by a magistrate called the coroner.

Larceny

Taking another person's property with the intention of permanently depriving them of it; also known as stealing.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The ability or power of a court to hear appeals of the decisions of lower courts and to reject, affirm or modify those decisions.

Corporations law

Legislation that regulates corporations and the securities and futures industry in Australia.

Injunction

A judicial order restraining a person from beginning or continuing an action threatening or invading the legal right of another, or compelling a person to carry out a certain act.

Bicameral

Containing two chambers or Houses of Parliament.

Bill

A drafted law that has not yet been passed by parliament.

Act of Parliament

Statute law, resulting from a Bill successfully passing through parliament and gaining royal assent.

Delegated legislation

Laws made by authorities other than parliament, which are delegated the power to do this by an Act of parliament.