Australia's Legal System 16 a 16 B
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Unit 1 Our democratic rights Australia’s legal system Laws regulate most of the situations we fi nd ourselves in every day. Laws are formal ‘legal rules’ that are designed to govern the way in which people behave and act so we can all live in a peaceful and united society. In Australia, our laws are made and enforced by a range of different organisations – including the courts, tribunals, parliaments, police and prisons – collectively referred to as the legal system , or justice system . We have a legal system to make sure that laws are obeyed and the rights and responsibilities of all Australian citizens are respected. For people to have confi dence in the legal system, it is important that legal disputes are resolved in a fair and unbiased manner and that all people are treated equally before the law. Unfortunately, despite best efforts, this is chapter not always the case. chapter Source 1 Australia’s legal system is designed to govern and regulate the ways in which all citizens behave. A range of formal ‘legal rules’ known as laws helps to achieve this. There are laws relating to almost 16every situation we encounter on a daily basis. 16 A 16 B What key principles support How does Australia’s courtDRAFT Australia’s legal system? system work? 1 Look at each of the different situations represented 1 As a class, list the names of any Australian courts. in Source 1. Do you think all of the people shown Suggest what types of cases might be heard by are committing crimes? Why or why not? these courts. 2 Have you (or any of your friends or family) ever been 2 As a group, try to think of at least two famous involved in similar situations where you may have Australian legal cases. When did each of these broken the law? Did you do so knowingly and were cases take place, what were the basic facts of each you caught? case and what were the outcomes? 470 oxford big ideas humanities and social sciences 9 western australian curriculum chapter 16 australia’s legal system 471 16A What key principles support Australia’s legal system? Reasons we have laws individuals from harm. For example, many different 16.1 Understanding laws laws exist in Australia to protect individuals and specific There are many reasons why societies must be regulated groups from danger and maltreatment, including by laws. Firstly, laws help establish boundaries of consumer, workplace, family, environmental and child and why we need them acceptable behaviour, so that all members of the protection laws. community can be aware of the type of conduct that will and will not be tolerated by the majority of people. Check your learning 16.1 The goal is that individuals treat one another with When you think about it, many aspects of our daily respect and do not undertake actions that disturb or Remember and understand lives are regulated by rules. In fact, almost every violate the rights of others or threaten a peaceful way of life. For example, in Australia we have anti-bullying and 1 Why would an organisation like a school or group to which we belong – whether it is our family, sporting club impose specific non-legal rules school, local sporting club, church or community anti-discrimination laws, which make it unlawful to or regulations? group – imposes rules. Often, if we want to stay part of victimise, abuse or discriminate against another person 2 What, in legal terms, is a sanction? these groups, we have to obey their rules. Likewise, as on the basis of their race, religion or sex. Australian citizens, we all have a responsibility to obey Laws also help maintain a unified society by 3 Describe two sanctions that could be imposed by a more formal set of rules (known as laws). So what is preventing disputes from arising and protecting a court in Australia. the difference between a rule and a law? Apply and analyse 4 Identify a club or group you, or someone you The difference between non- know, belongs to. It could be a sporting club, legal rules and legal rules (laws) church group or volunteer society. Investigate and list five non-legal rules that are imposed by the Source 1 Sporting clubs have established non-legal rules. Non-legal rules and legal rules (laws) govern our daily group, and jot them down. Then: lives. There are some key differences between these two a suggest reasons why each rule may have been types of rules. created Non-legal rules b state any consequences associated with breaking each rule Non-legal rules are rules or regulations that are imposed c explain whether or not you agree with each upon the members of a specific group so they can work rule. together in a peaceful manner. For example, schools, 5 List five legal rules or laws that, as an Australian families and sporting clubs all enforce a range of non- citizen, you must obey. For each law suggest legal rules to ensure the smooth operation of their Source 3 There are anti-bullying laws in place in Australia. why the law was most likely made and the likely group. For example: consequences of breaking the law. • schools can require students to wear a uniform and not have obvious body piercings 6 Imagine you had the power to create or alter three laws. • parents can require children to undertake specific a What laws would you introduce or change? tasks or chores Source 2 A school imposing a code of dress (or uniform) Give reasons for your answer. • sporting clubs can require regular attendance at that restricts tattoos or body piercing is an example of a training sessions. non-legal rule. b Identify any groups who may oppose your suggested law changes. Give reasons for your Whatever the non-legal rules might be, they are Legal rules (laws) response. generally imposed to help establish a code of behaviour DRAFT Legal rules, or laws, are similar to non-legal rules in that that is acceptable to the majority of group members they also exist to regulate our behaviour. However, legal Evaluate and create so they may work together in a cooperative manner. rules are made by official law-making bodies – such as 7 Divide into small groups or pairs and prepare Any member who breaks a rule may incur a penalty parliaments, local councils and the courts – and apply a short role-play that illustrates the difference imposed by the group. For example, a sporting club to all members of society. Laws are also enforced by the between non-legal rules and laws. Record or might suspend those who miss a training session from police and courts and any individual that breaks a law perform your role-play before the class and have participating in a scheduled game. may receive a punishment (referred to in legal terms as your classmates identify the different non-legal a sanction). These are imposed by the courts, and may Source 4 Laws are made to protect specific groups within our rules and laws. include paying a fine, or, for a serious breach, spending community, including consumers, children and those at risk of a period of time in prison. being cyber-bullied. 472 oxford big ideas humanities and social sciences 9 western australian curriculum chapter 16 australia’s legal system 473 16A What key principles support Australia’s legal system? The role of courts in law-making 16.2 How laws are made Judges in higher courts, such as the state Supreme Courts and the High Court of Australia, can also make laws on occasion. In simple terms, sometimes when a judge makes a decision to resolve a dispute, the In Australia, laws can be made by a number of different reasoning behind their decision creates a legal principle bodies or organisations. For example, Commonwealth, or law that must be followed by judges in other courts state and territory parliaments can make laws, as well as when a similar case arises. Law made by judges is other bodies such as local councils and court judges. known as common law, which will be examined in more detail later. The role of parliament in In Australia, all people and organisations – including law-making those who make and enforce the laws, such as members of the parliaments, judges, and the police forces – must Most laws in Australia are made by parliaments. obey the law. Indeed, one of the key features of the A parliament is a group of people elected by the Australian legal system is that it is based on the rule majority of society to make laws on their behalf. Laws of law meaning that our laws apply equally to all made by parliament are referred to as legislation, individuals and organisations throughout Australia statutes, or Acts. In Australia we have two levels of and must be upheld by all. The rule of law also means parliament – Commonwealth and state/territory. The that the law can only be enforced and altered by those Commonwealth Parliament, located in Canberra, makes with the legal authority to do so. In Australia, the laws that apply to the whole of Australia, while each Commonwealth, state and territory parliaments, and state and territory also has its own elected parliament to courts have the main power to make and enforce make laws for that specific state or territory. the law. Source 3 Judges in higher courts may, on occasion, make laws. Source 2 Local councils have the power to make laws in areas such as waste disposal and recycling.