Our Legal System: Glossary Flashcards

1
Q

defendant

A

the party in a civil or criminal trial against whom an action has been brought

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2
Q

homicide

A

the killing of one person by another person

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3
Q

magistrate

A

a court official who hears cases in the lowest court of the legal system

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4
Q

manslaughter

A

the accidental killing of one person by another

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5
Q

plaintiff

A

the person who commences a legal action

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6
Q

prosecute

A

to take legal actions against another person

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7
Q

appeal

A

an application for a legal decision to be reviewed in a higher court

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8
Q

committal hearing

A

hearing in the magistrates court to decide wether there is enough evidence to send a person to trial on an indictable (serious) offence

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9
Q

preside

A

to act as the person in control (e,g as chair of meeting)

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10
Q

verdict

A

the outcome of a legal case, decided by a jury or if no jury is present, by the judge.

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11
Q

bail

A

payment made by the accused as a guarantee they will appear in court at a later date, in order to be released from remand.

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12
Q

charge

A

the offence you are charged with

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13
Q

evidence

A

information that can be used in court

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14
Q

remand

A

when the accused person is held in custody until their trial

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15
Q

adversarial system

A

system of trial

in which the prosecution and defence argue their case and the judge or magistrate acts as an independent umpire

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16
Q

barrister

A

a lawyer who specialises in appearing for clients in court

17
Q

counsel for the defence

A

the lawyer acting on behalf of the accused

18
Q

judge

A

a court official who presides over cases I courts higher than the magistrates court.

19
Q

prosecutor

A

a lawyer or police officer who brings an action against the accused on behalf of the state.

20
Q

solicitor

A

a lawyer who is available to help with your legal problem in their office and will appear for you in court.

21
Q

discrimination

A

to treat a person differently because of their gender, age, race, religion or disability.

22
Q

ombudsman

A

an organisation that investigates complaints about government and its agencies.