3- Legal Institutions - How is law made?

Alternative Dispute Resolution

quasi-legal processes, as opposed to traditional litigation in a court, used by parties to settle disputes. It is generally used by agreement of the parties.

Arbitration

An adversarial form of ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) where an arbitrator receives the parties’ submissions and then makes a binding determination.

Cabinet

A group of senior officials in the executive branch of government, typically consisting of the heads of government departments, who advise the head of state and help in decision-making.

Commonwealth Government

Australian Federal Government, created by the Australian Constitution.

Conciliation

A form of ADR where a conciliator directly assists parties to find ways of settling a dispute

Constitution

a foundational document that outlines the governance structure, powers and responsibilities of the government or other entity (eg. corporation, charitable organisation)

Cross-Vesting

The granting, or vesting, of power in a state court to exercise commonwealth judicial power

Delegated Legislation

Law made by a body to which parliament has delegated authority. Common forms of delegated legislation include regulations, rules, ordinances and by-laws.

Executive

the body that administers the law, ranging from government ministers and the governor-general to public servants and police officers.

Federation

A system of government in which a national Federal Government rules in combination with state governments.

Indictable offence

a serious criminal offence, generally punishable in a superior court and can result in a sentence of more than two years’ imprisonment.