Questions & Answers
Browse all 24 questions from the
Foundations of Law & Justice study set below.
Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.
1
What is the primary role of a legislature in a legal system?
-
A
To interpret existing laws
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B
To enforce court decisions
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C
To create and amend laws
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D
To preside over criminal trials
2
In common law systems, 'stare decisis' means:
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A
To disregard previous rulings
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B
To follow precedents set by higher courts
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C
To create entirely new legal principles
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D
To appeal to a higher authority immediately
3
What is the burden of proof in most criminal trials in Australia?
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A
Beyond a reasonable doubt
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B
On the balance of probabilities
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C
Clear and convincing evidence
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D
Probable cause
4
A lawsuit filed to resolve a dispute between two private parties is typically categorized as:
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A
Criminal law
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B
Constitutional law
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C
Civil law
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D
Administrative law
5
The principle that no one is above the law is known as:
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A
Judicial review
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B
Rule of law
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C
Due process
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D
Habeas corpus
6
Which branch of government is primarily responsible for the administration of justice?
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A
Legislative
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B
Executive
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C
Judicial
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D
Federal
7
A legal system derived from ancient Roman law is known as:
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A
Common law
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B
Civil law
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C
Sharia law
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D
Customary law
8
What does 'mens rea' refer to in criminal law?
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A
The act itself
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B
The criminal intent or state of mind
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C
The consequence of the act
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D
The legal definition of the crime
9
The power of a court to hear and decide a case is called:
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A
Jurisdiction
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B
Precedent
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C
Statute
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D
Plea
10
In a civil case, the party bringing the lawsuit is known as the:
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A
Defendant
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B
Prosecutor
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C
Plaintiff
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D
Respondent
11
What is the term for a law enacted by a legislative body?
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A
Regulation
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B
Ordinance
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C
Statute
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D
By-law
12
The principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' is a fundamental aspect of:
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A
Civil litigation
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B
Criminal justice
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C
Administrative proceedings
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D
International law
13
A legal document that formally initiates a lawsuit is called a:
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A
Writ
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B
Subpoena
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C
Complaint
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D
Affidavit
14
Which legal concept protects individuals from being tried twice for the same crime?
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A
Habeas corpus
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B
Double jeopardy
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C
Pro bono
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D
Estoppel
15
The body of law that governs the relationship between individuals and the state is called:
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A
Private law
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B
Public law
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C
International law
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D
Commercial law
16
What is the highest court in the Australian federal legal system?
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A
Federal Court of Australia
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B
High Court of Australia
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C
Family Court of Australia
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D
Supreme Court of a state
17
The legal right to bring a lawsuit to court is known as:
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A
Standing
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B
Locus standi
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C
Capacitas
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D
Authoritas
18
A judge's decision in a previous similar case that serves as a guide for future decisions is called a:
-
A
Statute
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B
Regulation
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C
Precedent
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D
Doctrine
19
What is the primary function of a jury in a criminal trial?
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A
To determine the sentence
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B
To advise the judge on legal matters
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C
To decide on questions of fact
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D
To present evidence
20
The branch of law dealing with rules and principles that govern the activities of businesses and commerce is:
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A
Family law
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B
Contract law
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C
Environmental law
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D
Criminal law
21
What is the term for a law passed by a local government, such as a council?
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A
Statute
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B
Act
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C
Ordinance
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D
Decree
22
The legal right of a person to be brought before a court and to have the legality of their detention reviewed is:
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A
Prohibition
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B
Mandamus
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C
Certiorari
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D
Habeas corpus
23
Which legal principle ensures that legal proceedings are conducted fairly?
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A
Act of God
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B
Due process
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C
Force majeure
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D
Res judicata
24
The body of law that concerns the rights and responsibilities of individuals in their personal relationships is known as:
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A
Public law
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B
Criminal law
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C
Family law
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D
Constitutional law
