Practice SAC Questions

Question 1

How does ratio decidendi affect precedent?

Answer 1

Forms the precedent of the judgement that is binding on courts lower in the court hierarchy.

Question 2

Which court hears disputes over $200,000?

Answer 2

Supreme Court.

Question 3

Which court hears disputes over $100,000?

Answer 3

County Court.

Question 4

Which court hears disputes from $10,000 - $100,000?

Answer 4

Magistrates’ Court.

Question 5

Appeals are heard on the basis of what?

Answer 5

• Point of law.
• Matter of fact.
• Amount of damages.

Question 6

List the avenues a person could take if their civil rights were infringed.

Answer 6

• Self-help.
• Negotiation.
• Out-of-court settlement.
• Dispute resolution.
• Referral to a solicitor.
• Litigation.

Question 7

Explain the avenue of out-of-court settlement.

Answer 7

Where the two parties agree on a resolution prior to the court decision being made.

Question 8

Explain the avenue of dispute resolution.

Answer 8

Includes mediation (mediator/third party gets the two parties discussing) and conciliation (mediator suggests compromises) to resolve issues prior to the case being heard in court.

Question 9

Explain the avenue of referral to a solicitor.

Answer 9

Where a party seeks legal advice on the issue/incident.

Question 10

Explain the avenue of litigation.

Answer 10

Where both parties take action through the court.

Question 11

Explain the avenue of negotiation.

Answer 11

Where the parties to a dispute negotiate an agreement of their own; may seek legal advice and hire lawyers to represent them during the process.