Law and Legal Systems Overview

Vocabulary flashcards covering key legal concepts, definitions, and structures related to law and legal systems.

Common Law

Judge-made law based on court decisions.

Statute Law

Parliament-made law, legislation enacted by a legislative body.

The Constitution

The foundational legal document outlining the structure and powers of government in Australia.

Criminal Law

Concerned with the punishment of offenders and prosecution by the state.

Civil Law

Concerned with private relations among members of a community.

Penalties & Sentences Act 1992

Legislation outlining the framework for sentencing offenders in Queensland.

Rehabilitation

The act of restoring an offender to a constructive role in society and preventing re-offending.

Deterrence

The act of discouraging future criminal acts through the threat of punishment.

Denunciation

Reinforcing societal values by condemning particularly unacceptable actions.

Mitigating Factors

Circumstances that can lead to a reduced sentence for a defendant.

Aggravating Factors

Circumstances that can lead to a harsher sentence for a defendant.

Referendum

A vote by the electorate on a proposed change to the Constitution.