topic 1 and 3 - knowledge

unit 4 topic 1 and 3 legal studies qcaa criterion

states

states are countries recognized as having legal standing under international law as they have a defined territory, one government, and a permanent population coupled with the ability to enter into relationships recognized by law with other states

covenants and treaties

covenants are binding agreements between states, and thus are a type of treaty. A treaty is a formal agreement between two or more states that defines and modifies their mutual duties and obligations. 

convention

a convention is a binding agreement between states. conventions are stronger than declarations because they are legally binding for governments that have signed them. when the UN General Assembly adopts a convention, it creates international norms and standards. 

difference between signing and ratifying a treaty

signing is the expression of interest and intention to comply with a treaty, whereas ratifying is the implementation of domestic legislation that will uphold that treaty

bill of rights

a Bill of Rights is a formal declaration of the legal and civil rights of the citizens of any state, country or federation. it exists to protect the rights of individuals from being violated by the state or by other individuals. 

royal commission

in the Australian system of government, a royal commission is the highest form of inquiry, independent of government, into matters of public importance. royal commissions have broad powers to hold public hearings, call witnesses under oath, and compel evidence. royal commissions make recommendations to government about what should change. 

human rights council

the principal UN Charter Body responsible for human rights. One of its main purposes is to review the human rights record of every UN member state once every four years and to make recommendations for improvement. it is limited, however, as it can only make recommendations for improvement and does not have the necessary powers to mandate or enforce change if it is needed