L&O Stuff

Definition of rules

Directives for specific groups like schools or clubs

Definition of laws

Legal rules made by Parliament that apply to all of society

Similarities

Both aim to keep order and have consequences for breaking them

Differences

Laws are enforced by police and courts

Criminal law

Protecting society and punishing those who commit crimes against the state

Civil law

Resolving disputes between individuals where rights have been infringed

Criminal cases

Usually involve police and lead to sanctions (e.g. theft, assault)

Civil cases

Usually involve two private parties and lead to remedies (e.g. negligence)

Guilty

Verdict in criminal law when the accused is found to have committed the crime

Liable

Being found legally responsible for a loss or harm in civil law

Sanction

A criminal penalty such as a fine or a term of imprisonment

Remedy

A civil outcome like damages (money) paid to the plaintiff

Prosecution

The legal party presenting the case against the accused in criminal court

Accused

The person charged with a crime in a criminal case

Plaintiff

The person who brings a civil case to court seeking a remedy

Defendant

The person defending themselves in a civil or criminal case

High Court

Top of the hierarchy

Supreme Court

Hears most serious indictable crimes (murder) and large civil claims

County Court

Hears serious indictable crimes (theft, assault) and civil claims over $100k

Magistrates Court

Hears summary (minor) crimes and civil claims under $100

Judge

Independent official who runs the trial and determines the sentence or remedy

Jury

Group of citizens who decide the verdict

Prosecution

Party representing the Crown to prove guilt in criminal cases

Accused

The person standing trial for a criminal offense

Plaintiff

The person suing for compensation in a civil dispute

Defendant

The person being sued or charged in a legal proceeding

Purposes of prison

Punishment, protection of society, deterrence, and rehabilitation

Strengths of prison

Effectively removes dangerous people from the streets

Weaknesses of prison

High cost to taxpayers and high rates of re-offending