Definitions Flashcards
Statute Law?
A law made by the parliament, it is the most common form of lawmaking.
Common Law?
Are laws made by judges, when the statute law does not exist.
Civil Dispute? Example?
Deals with individuals and how they behave towards each other, e.g. an argument between neighbours
Precedent?
A decision made by a judge that established a point of law.
Prosecutor?
The lawyer from the Crown that represents the community in a criminal case and attempts to convince the court the accused party’s guilt.
Law?
Everybody has to follow these to keep society safe and in order.
Jury?
A group of ordinary people in a criminal case and some civil cases who must decide if they they accused is guilty or not guilty.
Verdict?
Result or final answer in a court case.
Witness?
Presents evidence to the court to support the case, either in the defence or prosecution.
Tort Law? Example?
Involves people being inconvenienced by the actions of others, this law helps people receive compensation. E.g. if an individual infringes on the rights of others such as defamation.
Plaintiff?
Makes a complaint in a civil case and accuses the defendant of wrong doings.
Defendant?
The person/party accused of the crime and defending their case.
Anarchy?
Political and social disorder due to the absence of government control.
Criminal Law?
Laws that govern and are there for the benefit of the whole society.
What is the difference between Statute and Common Law?
The difference between common and statute law is that Common law is made by judges when the statute law does not exist; whereas Statute law is made by Parliament and is the most common way of law making, but cannot create a precedent however common law can set one.
