6. How Australia’s Legal System Aims to Provide Justice

What is the main goal of Australia’s legal system?

• To protect only the government’s rights

• To ensure justice is fair and consistent

• To allow judges to make any decision they want

• To stop people from going to court

What does the rule of law mean?

• The government is more powerful than the law

• The law applies to everyone equally

• The police can ignore the law if needed

• Only important people have to follow the law

Why is the rule of law important?

• It prevents unfair use of power

• It allows the government to punish people without reason

• It means only politicians have to follow laws

• It lets judges make laws on their own

What does presumption of innocence mean?

• The police must prove someone is innocent

• A person is innocent until proven guilty

• Everyone accused of a crime is guilty

• The accused must prove their own innocence

Why is the presumption of innocence important?

• It stops people from being unfairly punished

• It allows the police to arrest anyone without reason

• It makes it easier to send people to prison

• It only applies to certain crimes

Who has the burden of proof in a criminal case?

• The person accused of the crime

• The judge and jury

• The prosecution (the side proving guilt)

• The police officers who make the arrest

What does “beyond a reasonable doubt” mean?

Why is the burden of proof placed on the prosecution?

• To make sure trials are fair

• To make it easier to find people guilty

• So the accused must prove they are innocent

• To allow judges to ignore the law

What does the right to a fair trial mean?

• A person is immediately punished for crimes

• The trial must be fair, impartial, and within a reasonable time

• Only serious crimes go to trial

• People can only have a trial if they are wealthy

Which of the following is NOT part of a fair trial?

• The right to be informed of the charges

• The right to present a defence

• The right to have a trial within a reasonable time

• The right to avoid punishment if guilty