Rules and Laws An introduction

Learning Intention Success Criteria Introduction to 3-4 Legal Studies Understand the difference between rules and laws Define types of laws Explain why we need laws

Rules and Laws Rules Laws Apply to certain groups in society Establish rights and responsibilities Help reduce conflict in the group Laws Apply to all Made by parliament and the courts Are enforceable by courts and tribunals

Types of Laws Criminal Law Civil Law Statute Law Common Law Concerned with behaviour that affects not only the individuals directly involved, but the welfare of society as a whole. Civil Law Concerned with the enforcement of an individual’s rights Statute Law Law made through Parliament Common Law Law made in the court (Judge-made law)

Criminal Cases Usually between the state and an individual or individuals involve actions that are against the law, harmful to society and punishable by the law. Examples of offences covered under criminal law include murder, theft and fraud.

Parties to a Criminal Case Prosecution Acting on behalf of the state to prosecute in the case Accused  the person accused of the crime Victim  who has been offended against.

Criminal Cases Indictable Offences Summary Offences

Indictable Offences Serious criminal offences that are heard before a judge and jury in superior courts such as the County Court or Supreme Court Eg. homicide and fraud. As a general rule, offences listed in the Crimes Act 1958(Vic.) and the Wrongs Act 1958(Vic.) are indictable offences unless these Acts state that an offence is a summary offence.

Summary Offences Minor criminal offences that are heard before a magistrate in the Magistrates’ Court Eg. offensive behaviour. Many summary offences are breaches of local laws or laws made by subordinate authorities Offences listed in most Acts of parliament are summary offences unless an Act declares them to be indictable offences.

Civil Disputes Disputes between two or more individuals or groups. Civil actions usually involve the infringement of rights. The aim of a civil action is to return the party whose rights have been infringed to his or her original position (as far as possible).  The most common types of civil actions are: Torts concered with the wrongful actions of one individual towards another. contract law involves a dispute about a legally binding agreement between two or more parties.

Parties to civil disputes Plaintiff (party who has been harmed) sues the  Defendant (party who has allegedly caused the harm) The plaintiff seeks a particular remedy. 

Why do we need laws? Establishing expected behaviour Resolving disputes Reflecting values