UNIT 3 AOS 2 Flashcards
Parties in civil disputes:
Plaintiff and defendant
Plaintiff:
party who alleges their rights have been infringed who commences the civil action
Defendant
party alleged to have infringed the rights of the plaintiff
Standard of proof
on the balance of probabilities
Adjudicator:
Judge/jury for liability or remedy
Outcomes of civil cases:
Remedy (damages/injunction)
Key principles in the Victorian Civil Justice System:
Burden of proof, standard of proof
Burden of proof in civil cases:
Responsibility on one side to establish the facts of the case. (lies with plaintiff)
Standard of proof:
Strength of evidence needed to establish the case.
Factors to consider before initiating a civil claim:
Costs, limitation of actions, enforcement issues
Cost factors to consider:
Legal representation (nature + complexity of case, expertise of lawyer, etc.)
Disbursements (court fees, mediation fees, etc.)
Limitation of actions:
Time limit within a civil action must be started.
Tort laws:
Nuisance, defamation, negligence, trespass
Enforcement issues:
If plaintiff succeeds in a civil action, an order or some type will be made against the defendant. (Plaintiffs need to consider whether if such an order is made, they can enforce the order)
Principles of justice:
Fairness, equality, access
Fairness:
Both parties should have the advantage to present their case (should not disadvantage other party)
Factors of fairness in civil justice system:
Extent of delays, if parties have legal representation, understanding of the case
Equality:
All parties treated equally before the law with an equal opportunity to present their case (free from bias)
Factors of equality in civil justice system:
Impartiality of judge/jury, ability to use the system, if system causes disadvantage
Access:
People understand their legal rights and can pursue their claims in the legal system (able to use courts/tribunals, institutions to get aid)
Factors of access in the civil justice system:
Availability of means to solve dispute, availability of legal assistance
Alternative dispute resolutions:
Mediation, conciliation, arbitration
Mediation
Impartial third party which facilitates discussion between parties and CANNOT make suggestions.
Features of mediation:
Parties reach their own solution, not binding