law 107 key concepts

Feudalism

A system of economic and social organization as well as a system of land ownership based upon a formal social hierarchy, dating back to the Dark Ages.

Due Process

The notion that an individual should be presumed innocent until proven guilty, ensuring fairness and transparency in legal proceedings.

Precedent

A doctrine whereby courts follow similar previous decisions, requiring lower courts to adhere to the decisions of higher courts.

Common Law

A legal system developed in England that is based on case law and precedents rather than written statutes.

Equity

A separate body of law that seeks to correct and supplement the rigidities of common law, addressing unfair outcomes.

Separation of Powers

The principle that power should be divided among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government to prevent abuse of power.

Parliamentary Sovereignty

The principle that Parliament is supreme over the executive and the judiciary, except where it provides otherwise.

Independent Judiciary

The principle that judges should be independent from the other arms of government to ensure fair justice.

Representative Government

The concept that government should represent the people through elected representatives.

Responsible Government

The principle that the government is accountable to the people for its actions.

Cabinet

The body of ministers that develops government policy and relies on the support of parliament.

Magna Carta

A charter signed in 1215 that established the principle of due process and protected individual legal rights.

Juries

A body of people summoned to make decisions on questions of fact in legal proceedings, traditionally consisting of 12 members in criminal trials.

Procedural Law

Law that dictates the processes and procedures that must be followed in legal matters to ensure fairness.

Statutory Interpretation

Guidelines developed by courts for interpreting statutes enacted by Parliament.