Legal Terms

Rule of law

the concept that the law applies to everybody equally regardless of status.

Appeal

This is when a higher court is asked to review the decision of a lower court

Presumption of Innocense

This means that everybody who is charged and taken to court must be presumed innocent until proven guilty by the prosecution.

Burden of proof

This refers to the fact that the prosecution must posses enough evidence to prove beyond doubt that the defendant is guilty.

Prosecution

the group of people trying to prove the defendant guilty

Defence

The group of people the fight to defend the person being prosecuted.

Plaintiff

The person making the complaint of the crime they think the defendant did

Defendant

the person being accused of a crime