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Yr 8 Civics
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does civil law deal with? | Non-criminal matters such as disputes between individuals or organisations |
| What does civil law deal with? | Non-criminal matters such as disputes between individuals or organisations |
| Give two examples of civil law matters. | Negligence and defamation (other valid answers: nuisance, trespass, breach of contract). |
| What is criminal law designed to protect? | Innocent individuals from criminals and to maintain social order. |
| Give two examples of criminal law offences. | Robbery and assault (other valid answers: homicide, rape, theft, drug offences). |
| What is the minimum court that hears most legal cases in Australia? | Magistrates' Court. |
| What is criminal law designed to protect? | Innocent individuals from criminals and to maintain social order. |
| What percentage of youth in NT detention are Indigenous? | 96%. |
| Give two examples of criminal law offences. | Robbery and assault (other valid answers: homicide, rape, theft, drug offences). |
| What are indictable offences? | Serious crimes like homicide or rape that are heard in higher courts, usually with a jury. |
| What is the minimum court that hears most legal cases in Australia? | Magistrates' Court. |
| What are summary offences? | Less serious crimes like petty theft or traffic violations, heard by a magistrate. |
| In which court would a murder trial most likely be heard? | Supreme Court or County Court (depending on the state). |
| What is the key difference between civil and criminal law? | Civil law is about resolving disputes between individuals; criminal law involves offences against the state. |
| In criminal law, who decides the verdict in an indictable offence case? | A jury. |
| Who brings the case in a criminal law matter? | The state (also called the prosecution). |
| What is the purpose of punishment in criminal law? | To deter offenders, protect society, and provide justice for victims. |
| Can the same act result in both a civil and criminal case? | Yes, for example, assault can lead to both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit. |
| What is the aim of civil law? | To restore the injured party to their original position. |
| What is a sanction? | A penalty imposed in criminal law, such as a fine or imprisonment. |
| In criminal law, who decides the verdict in an indictable offence case? | A jury. |
| What is a legal right protected under civil law? | The right to private property, or the right to a safe working environment. |
| Who brings the case in a criminal law matter? | The state (also called the prosecution). |
| What does the term "justice" mean in a legal context? | It refers to fairness in protection of rights and punishment of wrongs within a legal system. |
| What is the purpose of justice systems like courts and laws? | To protect people’s rights and ensure justice is applied equally to everyone. |
| What is the aim of civil law? | To restore the injured party to their original position. |
| How are justice and human rights connected? | A penalty imposed in criminal law, such as a fine or imprisonment. |
| What is a legal right protected under civil law? | The right to private property, or the right to a safe working environment. |
| What does the term "justice" mean in a legal context? | It refers to fairness in protection of rights and punishment of wrongs within a legal system. |
| What is the purpose of justice systems like courts and laws? | To protect people’s rights and ensure justice is applied equally to everyone. |
| How are justice and human rights connected? | Justice protects human rights by enforcing them, while human rights are the foundation upon which justice is built. |
| What is a “right”? | A right is something an individual is entitled to by law or social norms (e.g., free speech, education, fair trial). |
| Name one document that protects global human rights. | The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations. |
| What are some examples of human rights? | Right to vote, freedom of speech, privacy, freedom from torture. |
| What is the "Rule of Law"? | The principle that both government and citizens are bound by and obey the law. |
| What is a “plea” in criminal law? | The response by the accused to a criminal charge — ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’. |
| What is a “defence” in legal terms? | A claim made by the accused to show why they are not guilty (e.g., self-defence). |
| What does a jury do in a criminal trial? | A group of randomly selected people decide the guilt or innocence of the accused. |
| Define “homicide.” | The killing of one person by another — either murder (intentional) or manslaughter (unintentional). |
| What is the age of criminal responsibility in Australia? | 10 years old in all states and territories. |
| What does the term doli incapax mean? | It is a legal principle meaning children under 14 are presumed incapable of committing a criminal offence unless proven otherwise. |
| What age did the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child recommend for criminal responsibility? | 14 years old. |
| What is one argument for keeping the age of criminal responsibility at 10? | Children can understand right from wrong and should be held accountable, especially in cases of serious offences. |
| What is one argument against keeping the age at 10? | Children's brains are still developing, especially areas linked to impulse control and decision-making. |
| Why do some advocates argue that jailing children does more harm than good? | It can traumatise young people, reinforce criminal behaviours, and doesn't address the root causes like poverty or neglect. |
| What are some alternatives to jail for children who commit offences? | Rehabilitation, community-based programs, counselling, and support services. |
| How does Australia's age of criminal responsibility compare globally? | It is one of the lowest in the world. Many countries have a higher age, often around 14 or more. |
| What is Hierarchy of the court System? | Highest is High Court, then Supreme Court, District/County Court and at the bottom Magistrates |
| Why was Brodie’s Law seen as necessary? | It allowed the legal system to respond seriously to extreme bullying cases and close a legal gap where such behaviour wasn’t previously considered a criminal offence. |
| What does Brodie’s Law teach us about law reform? | Laws can change in response to societal needs, tragedies, or public pressure to better reflect justice and protect individuals. |
| Why do we need laws to change over time? | To keep them relevant, fair, and reflective of community expectations. |
| What are four reasons laws need to change? | Changes in social values Increased community awareness Serious incidents or major events Changes in political conditions |
| Give an example of changing social values leading to law reform | Strong community pressure for longer sentences for violent crimes. |
| What is the role of public campaigns in legal reform? | They raise awareness, put pressure on lawmakers, and help shape new legislation (e.g., Pat Cronin Foundation's advocacy). |
| What is the formal definition of democracy? | A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives. |
| Who has the right to vote in Australia? | Every Australian citizen over the age of 18. |
| What are some key rights Australians have in a democracy? | The right to vote, freedom of speech, and freedom of expression. |
| How has social media changed how people participate in democracy? | It allows online campaigns, petitions, and the organisation of protests and demonstrations, reaching a wide audience. |
| What is direct action? | A form of public demonstration, sometimes involving breaking the law, used to influence government decisions or raise awareness. |
| When is direct action effective? | When it gains media attention and public support, potentially influencing politicians. |
| What is the key difference between a democracy and a theocracy? | Democracy is led by the people, while a theocracy is led by religious principles or leaders. |
| How does criminal law protect citizens? | By sanctioning criminals (e.g. imprisonment, fines), providing rehabilitation, and deterring others from offending. |
| What are some ways people can have their voices heard besides voting? | Signing petitions, attending protests, joining lobby groups, and engaging with social media activism. |