Basic legal concepts

The main purpose of having laws is to:

• provide stability for the ruling government.
• make certain people do what they do not want to do.
• divide power among different groups.
• maintain order in society.

The difference between rules and laws is that: 

• laws are binding on the whole of the community.
• rules have nothing to do with ethics.
• rules have nothing to do with ethics.
• rules are binding on the whole of the community.

The rule of law is best described by which of the following?

• All people are answerable to the law in accordance with their needs and abilities.
• All people are treated according to their needs and abilities.
• All people are treated according to their rank in society.
• All people are answerable to the law and no one is above the law.

Ethics is a term that refers to: 

• different people’s perceptions of the law.
• principles that help people make decisions about right and wrong.
• a mix of equality and fairness.
• procedural fairness and natural justice.

Which of the following best explains what law is?

• A set of rules imposed on all members of a community that are recognised, binding and enforceable by those persons or organisations.
• A set of guidelines promoted by a community for all members to follow for the best interests of the community.
• A set of rules imposed on all members of a community that are officially recognised, binding and enforceable by persons or organisations such as the police and/or courts.
• A set of rules imposed on all members of a community that are officially recognised and binding on everyone.

What is anarchy?

• A lack of laws, or existing laws not being enforced
• Existing laws being selectively enforced
• No one being told what to do

What is tyranny?

• A single ruler holding absolute power in a nation
• A single ruler holding limited power in a nation
• A single ruler holding absolute power in a city

Which of the following does not explain aspects of the relationship between law, rules and customs?

• Rules for a community have traditionally been based on the traditions, customs and values of the group.

• Rules based on customs usually have penalties attached if members of the group fail to follow them.

• Customs are always developed into laws over time.

• The main difference between rules and laws is that laws are enforced by the state but rules are not.

From the options provided below, which best explains the features of natural justice?

• The right to be heard in your own local court.

• The right to be heard by a judge of your choice.

• The right to be heard by an unbiased decision maker.

• All of the above.

From the following, select the option that best describes the difference between anarchy and tyranny.

• Anarchy is an absence of law, whereas tyranny is the application of laws that serve a dictatorial leader or group of leaders.

• Anarchy is the selective enforcement of law to favour the privileged, whereas tyranny is the application of laws that only serve a dictatorial leader or group of leaders.

• Anarchy is a temporary absence of law, whereas tyranny is the application of laws that serve the disadvantaged.

• Anarchy is the elimination of unjust laws, whereas tyranny is the application of laws that serve a dictatorial leader or group of leaders.