civics & citizenships
types of legal disputes
types
criminal cases
civil cases
those that are involved an individual who behaved in an unacceptable way being charged by the police and often receiving a sanction
involve private people or organisation fighting over an alleged breach of individual rights
types of civil cases
negligence
an individual claims they have suffered injury due to another person's failure to take reasonable care when here is responsibility to do so
breach of contract
one individual believes another has failed to carry out the terms of legal blinding contract
defamation
a person believes they have suffered harm due t another person making false statement pubilicaly
Australia's political system
Australians over 18 year of age have the right to vote at elections for candidates that the most closely represent hw their country, state, territory, r local area should run
parliamentary democracy
those who are elected to represent meet at a place called parliament
this where laws are changed or new laws passed
Australia's national parliament
AKA Federal or Commonwealth Parliament
Make laws that concern the whole country e.g. defence, immigration, and trade for the whole nation
Political system – a way of determining who had the power and responsibility for making decisions about important matters that affect people’s daily lives
inner workings of the commonwealth
lower house
AKA house f representative
Australia is divided up into 150 geographical divisions known as electorates, or seats
Each electorate has roughly 94000 voters
upper house
AKA the senate
originally set up to protect the interest of the state
originally set up to protect the interest of the state
government
the party or coalition that has a majority of seats in the HOR
shaping and developing policy
The Role of Independents in Parliament
Not all members belong to a political party
These members are called independents
Some may have belonged to a political party but were dissatisfied
They play a powerful role in parliament, particularly if the major party relied on their vote to pass important laws
A statement of principles that aims to guide action that must be taken in the future
Political parties develop policies that we usually learn about at election time
This is also called a party platform which sets out the party’s goals in order to appeal to voters
The political party that wins the election and forms government must put their policies into action
The government of the day is said to have been given the mandate to implement the policies they promoted during the election campaign
civics and citizenship
democracy
A system government run by the pepe, for the people
People have the power to determine how they will be ruled or managed
direct democracy
Citizens meeting together to make laws for their society
representative democracy
Representative are elected to make laws on our behalf
Citizens over the age of 18 are required to vote in state and federal elections. It is optional to vote in local elections
democratic values
respect
Treating others with consideration and valuing their views, beliefs, and rights
equality
Rights and privileges for all, without discriminations based n gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation or level of education. All citizens have the right to the same opportunities.
fairness
All people are treated fairly, or without injustice, and are given an equal opportunity. Also known as a ‘fair go’ in Australia
freedom
Rights, privileges, and responsibilities for all without interference, or control from other citizens or government
Westminster system
a parliament
Consisting of two chambers or houses, that is elected by the people to make laws on their behalf. Citizens vote for members of the parliament in free and fair elections and all laws must be passed by a majority of the representative in both houses
a sovereign
To act as the head of state and hold various powers including being required to give final approved to all laws mace by the parliament. The sovereign or crown also has a ceremonial role, including representing the country at national and international events
participation
Good citizens contribute or take part in society through activities such as voting in election or referendum, serving on a jury, or paying taxes
Citizens who participate reap the rewards of living in a society where elected members of parliament seek to represent their views, those who break the law are treated fairly, and the services that we can all use, such as schools and roads
One of the most important ways we can participate in a democracy by voting in an election. We have a power to influence the way our country is run
Governments can also give citizens the opportunity to participate in important decisions outside of elections and referendums
rights and responsibilities
Refers to our entitlements and duties as citizens
rights
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The right to vote
Protection against acquisition of property on unjust terms
The right to trial by jury
The right to freedom of religion
Protection against discrimination
respnsibiities
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Voting in elections
Jury service
Pay taxes
Obeying the law
an individual who has committed an illegal act that inflicts harm on another individual and/or society, is taken to court by the state government
summary are minor crimes which are generally heard in the ministrations
how laws are made
parliament
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Most laws in Aus are made by parliament
This is referred to as Statutory law
A parliament is a group of people elected by the majority of society to make laws on their behalf
Laws made by parliament are referred to as legislation, statutes or acts
Commonwealth parliament makes laws for all of Australia
Each state/ territory has its own elected parliament to make laws for that specific state/territory
courts
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Judges in higher courts can make laws on occasion
Judges make laws through setting precedent – when a judge makes a decision to resolve a dispute, the reasoning behind their decision creates a legal principle or law that must be followed by judges in other courts when a similar case arises
Judges also make laws through statutory interpretation – a judge may be called to resolve a dispute in which there is existing legislation, but the wording of the legislation of the legislation is unclear
Laws made by judges is know as common laws
rule of law:
Our laws apply equally individuals and organisation throughout Australia and must be upheld by all
The law can only be enforced and altered by those with the legal limit to do so
undermining justice
Coercion of suspects and witness
Police must follow legal process and producers when investigating crime to make sure those involved are treated fairly
Many groups of people may be disadvantaged when dealing with the court system because they may nit have a good communication skills, confidence, or knowledge to negotiate
Police and lawyers can easily confuse people or persuade them to make false or conflicting statements
trial by media
Media can spread information quickly in a way that they can create the impression of a person’s guilt before they have been court
A key principle is that the accused is innocent until proven guilty, but members of a jury may be biased and think a suspect is guilty because of what they have see and heard in the media
Public opinion may also pressure them to find the suspect guilty or guilty
corruption
A form of dishonest or unethical behavior that causes people to break rules for their own gain
We have independent and unbiased anti-corruption agencies to investigation and punish those involved in the legal system
Whistle blowers are people who are willing to come forwards and report this behavior
court delays
Delays may occur to many reasons
Lack of legal assistance for those who cannot afford a lawyer
Complex and time- consuming court processes and procedures
Increasing number and complexity of cases being brought to court
image of upper house
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image of lower house
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image people voting
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