VCE Legal Studies on Law and Justice

Summary:

This text discusses various aspects of legal studies, including the role of individuals, laws, and the legal system in achieving social cohesion and protecting individual rights. It also covers the principles of justice (fairness, equality, and access) and the characteristics of effective laws. Additionally, the sources of law (common law and statute law) and the relationship between parliament and the courts are explained. Furthermore, the text explains different types of law, such as criminal and civil law, along with their distinctions and relationship. Lastly, it provides an overview of the Victorian court hierarchy and the reasons for its existence.

Excerpt:

VCE Legal Studies on Law and Justice

L E G A L S T U D I E S R E V I S I O N
UNIT 1- OUTCOME 1

The role of individuals, laws and the legal system in achieving social cohesion and protecting the rights of individuals

THE ROLE OF INDIVIDUALS

– Once laws are in place that enable social cohesion and protect the rights of individuals, it is the responsibility of individuals to ensure that they are aware of the laws and abide by them.
– Individuals are expected to respect human rights, and not act in a way that is contrary to those rights. Doing so may lead to disharmony, and ultimately to a fractured society.
– Individuals can also help to achieve social cohesion and protect individual rights by assisting the police with their investigations, reporting crimes, and using the legal system to resolve their disputes when their rights have been infringed.

LAWS AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM IN ACHIEVING SOCIAL COHESION

LAWS
– Laws provide guidelines on what behaviour is acceptable and what behaviour is not acceptable. They set expectations about the way individuals should behave.
– Laws are fundamental in achieving social cohesion. They establish a framework in which people live, set boundaries for behaviour, and allow individuals to choose how they live.
– Laws also protect the rights of individuals. A number of laws establish individual rights and say what happens if those rights are infringed.