Legal Studies

Law

A system of rules created and enforced through social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior in society.

Customs

Established patterns of behavior among people in a society or group.

Rules

Regulations that society should abide by, which can be punishable but less severely than laws.

Values

Important and lasting beliefs or ideals shared by members of a culture about what is good or bad.

Ethics

Moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity.

Just Laws

Laws based on equality, enforceability, acceptability, discoverability, and non-retroactivity.

Nature of Justice

Refers to access, equality, and fairness in the legal system.

Procedural Fairness

Principles ensuring fairness in decision-making procedures, including the right to know the case against you and present your case.

Rule of Law

The principle that no one is above the law, including lawmakers and enforcers.

Anarchy

The absence of laws and government.

Tyranny

Rule by a single leader holding absolute power.

Common Law

Law developed through court decisions and judicial rulings.

Statute Law

Laws enacted by a legislative body, such as parliament.

Legal Aid

Assistance in legal advice and services for those who cannot afford it.

Division of Powers

The split of powers between federal and state governments.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into three branches:legislature, executive, and judiciary.

Aboriginal Customary Laws

Diverse laws based on the spiritual significance of land and water, family, and kinship.

International Law

Laws that govern the relationships between nations, including treaties and customary laws.

Domestic Law

Laws that apply within a specific country.

Legal Personnel

Individuals involved in the legal process, including judges, barristers, and solicitors.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Methods of resolving disputes without court involvement, such as negotiation and mediation.

Equal Pay

The principle that men and women should receive equal pay for equal work.

Sex Discrimination Act 1984

Australian legislation aimed at eliminating discrimination based on sex, marital status, or pregnancy.

CEDAW

The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Legal Rights

Rights granted by lawful authority, as opposed to natural rights.

Responsibilities of Citizens

Obligations such as obeying the law, voting, and defending the country.

Non-Legal Responses

Actions taken outside the legal system, such as advocacy and lobbying for women's rights.

Effectiveness of Law Reform

The ability of legal changes to address societal issues and reflect changing values.

Historical Attitudes Towards Women

Past beliefs that women were inferior to men, affecting laws and policies.

Women's Electoral Lobby (WEL)

An NGO advocating for women's rights and participation in society.