Intro Media Law Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are the two main divisions of law?
Civil law and Criminal law.
What is civil law concerned with?
Disputes between individuals or organisations, usually involving compensation.
What is criminal law concerned with?
Crimes against society, e.g., theft, robbery, murder.
Where does UK law come from?
Case law, Statute law, Common law, and the European Convention on Human Rights (via the Human Rights Act 1998).
What is a ‘charge’ in criminal law?
A formal accusation giving details of the crime.
What is a ‘claimant’ in civil law?
The person bringing the claim or suing another party.
What is a ‘defendant’?
The person accused or being sued in criminal or civil court.
What is a ‘tort’?
A civil wrong – such as negligence or defamation.
What is an ‘injunction’?
A court order requiring someone to do or stop doing something.
What is the difference between a solicitor and a barrister?
Solicitors handle preparation and client liaison; barristers represent clients in court.
What is ‘counsel’?
A collective term for barristers.
Where are most criminal cases first heard?
Magistrates’ Court.
Where are serious criminal cases tried?
Crown Court with a jury and a judge.
Where do most civil cases start?
County Court.
Which court hears serious civil cases like defamation?
The High Court.
Which court hears appeals from Magistrates and Crown Courts?
The High Court on points of law.
What is the highest court in the UK?
The Supreme Court.
What is the standard of proof in criminal law?
Beyond reasonable doubt.
What is the standard of proof in civil law?
More likely than not
