Assessment 4: Civics & Citizenship Notes

Year 8 Assessment 4 Civics & Citizenship KBC.

Democracy

A system of government where the people elect representatives to make laws on their behalf.

Democratic Values

Beliefs and ideals held by society in a democracy, including respect, equality, fairness, and freedom.

Westminster System

A parliamentary government system with a lower house, head of state, head of government, executive, civil service, and judiciary.

Justice

The concept of treating others fairly and upholding laws to maintain a just society.

Participation

Citizens' involvement in society through activities like voting, jury service, and paying taxes.

Rights & Responsibilities

Entitlements and duties of citizens, ensuring a say in governance and contributing to society.

Freedom of Speech

The right to express opinions without fear of persecution, including written and artistic expression.

Freedom of Movement

The ability to move freely within a country without government interference.

Freedom of Association

The right to join groups or organizations peacefully.

Freedom of Assembly

The right to gather peacefully in public or private places, including for protests.

Freedom of Religion

The right to believe and practice any religion without interference from the government.

Criminal Law

Laws that prevent actions like terrorism, discrimination, and piracy, protecting public safety.

Active Participation in Democracy

Involvement in democracy through becoming informed, voting, direct action, lobby groups, and contacting MPs.

Statutory Law

Laws created by parliament through a process involving bill preparation, readings, debates, and approval.

Common Law

Laws created by judges to interpret statutory laws and set precedents in cases not covered by statutory law.

High Court and Federal Court

Superior courts that can set precedents in legal cases.

Criminal Trial

Legal proceedings where an accused person faces charges, with the prosecution trying to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Unpaid Community Work

Offenders can be ordered to perform a set number of hours of work for the community as part of their sentence.

Suspended Sentence

Offenders may have their sentence suspended, avoiding serving it fully or at all, on the condition of not committing another crime during the suspension.

Good-Behaviour Bond

Offenders can avoid punishment by committing to good behavior for a specified period, often seen in sentences from the Children’s Court.

Civil Law

Protects individuals and resolves disputes resulting in harm or loss, allowing individuals to sue for damages if their rights are infringed.

Mediation

A method for resolving civil disputes involving an independent third party to facilitate discussions and reach a solution before going to court.

Plaintiff

The individual bringing a dispute to court seeking a civil remedy, with the defendant being the party being sued.

Civil Remedy

The method by which the defendant must compensate the plaintiff, often in the form of monetary damages, to restore the plaintiff to their original position before the dispute.

Balance of Probabilities

In civil law cases, judges support the claim if it is more likely than not that the defendant caused harm to the plaintiff.

Types of Civil Disputes

Include Family Law, Contract Law, Tort Law, Defamation, Nuisance, Trespass, and Negligence.