VCE Legal Studies Unit 3 AOS1 Notes (Chapters 1–6) | High-Scoring Exam Guide

⚖️CHAPTER 1 — THE ROLE OF THE LAW

Define law

Law is a system of rules that regulate behaviour and are recognised and
enforced by courts.



Types of law

Criminal law

Concerned with offences against society
Purpose: punish + deter

Civil law

Resolves disputes between individuals
Purpose: compensation



Reasons for law

 maintain order

 protect rights

 resolve disputes

 reflect values



Characteristics of an effective law

Known

→ accessible and publicised

Clear

→ understandable, no ambiguity

Stable

→ consistent over time

Enforceable

→ capable of being upheld



Principles of justice

, Fairness

→ unbiased hearing

Equality

→ same treatment before law

Access

→ ability to use the legal system



⚖️CHAPTER 2 — THE COURT HIERARCHY

Define court hierarchy

The arrangement of courts in a ranked system based on jurisdiction.



Reasons for court hierarchy

Administrative convenience

→ distributes workload

Appeals

→ allows review of decisions

Specialisation

→ courts develop expertise



Jurisdiction

Original jurisdiction

→ hear case first time

Appellate jurisdiction

→ hear appeals



Criminal jurisdiction

 Magistrates’ Court → summary offences

 County Court → serious indictable

 Supreme Court → most serious