Understanding the Australian Legal System

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to how laws are made in the Australian legal system, including the roles of Parliament and courts.

Parliaments

Government bodies responsible for making laws, either State or Federal.

Court-made law

Also known as 'Common Law' or 'Judge-made law', refers to laws developed through court decisions.

Royal Assent

The formal approval given by the Governor General, making a law official and active.

Statutory Interpretation

The process by which judges interpret the wording of Parliament's statutes to apply them to specific cases.

Precedent

A legal principle established in a previous case that is binding on subsequent cases in lower courts.

Stare Decisis

A Latin term meaning 'to stand by things decided'; it refers to the doctrine that courts should follow precedents.

Summary Offences Act 1966

A piece of legislation in Victoria concerning minor offenses, including provisions related to public drunkenness.

Abrogate

To repeal or nullify a law or decision.

Codify

To organize and write down laws into a systematic code, making them easier to reference.

Interpretation of a statute

The judicial process of explaining the meaning of the language and provisions in a statute.