LAW Basics

Law

A system of rules made by governments and courts to maintain order and protect people's rights.

Statute Law

Law made by parliament, also called legislation or acts

Common Law

Law made by judges through court decisions and precedents

Precedent

A legal principle set in one case that must be followed in similar future cases

Jurisdiction

The legal power of a court to hear certain types of cases

Court Hierarchy

The ranking of courts from lowest to highest, each with different powers

Constitution

A document that outlines the rules by which a country is governed

Separation of Powers

Division of government roles into the legislative, executive, and judiciary to prevent misuse of power

Executive

The branch of government responsible for endorsing laws (including prime minister and ministers)

Legislation

Another word for statute law, laws passed by parliament

Bill

A proposed law presented to parliament

Criminal Law

The area of law that deals with actions considered harmful to society (theft, assault, etc.)

Civil Law

The area of law that handles disputes between individuals (contracts, property, negligence, etc.)

Plaintiff

The person who brings a civil case to court

Defendant

The person being accused in both criminal and civil trials

Prosecution

The legal team that tries to prove the defendant is guilty in a criminal case.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt

The standard of proof needed in criminal cases, very high certainty

Balance of Probabilities

The standard of proof in civil cases, more lively than not

Damages

Money is awarded to someone who wins a civil case.

Rule of Law

The principle that everyone, including the government, must follow the law

Youth Justic

The legal processes and protections specifically for young offenders

Rights

Legal and moral entitlements to do or have something

Legal System

The institutions and processes for making, interpreting and enforcing laws

Why are laws important?

Laws protect people's rights, maintain order, and help resolve disputes fairly

Difference between criminal and civil law

Criminal law deals with offences against society, civil war settles disputes between individuals