Lesson 10

⚖️ Law, courts and police

How courts decide cases, and what the police do.

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The courts

In an Australian court, the judge or magistrate is the highest authority. An accused person is considered innocent until found guilty. In some trials a jury, a group of ordinary citizens, decides whether the person is innocent or guilty.

Remember

The police

The main role of the police is to maintain peace and order and to protect life and property. State and territory police handle most everyday policing. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigate crimes against federal laws, such as drug trafficking, and protect national security. Offering a bribe to a police officer is a serious crime.

Remember

Practice questions

What is the role of a jury in an Australian court?

  1. To arrest someone who breaks the law.
  2. To decide the penalty for a guilty person.
  3. To decide in court if a person is innocent or guilty.
  4. To explain the law to the judge.

Answer: To decide in court if a person is innocent or guilty. The role of a jury is to decide in court if a person is innocent or guilty.

Who is the highest authority in an Australian court?

  1. The police
  2. The jury
  3. The judge or magistrate
  4. The Prime Minister

Answer: The judge or magistrate. The judge or magistrate is the highest authority in a court. They are independent and no one can tell them what to decide.

What is the main role of the police in Australia?

  1. To maintain peace and order and protect life and property
  2. To pass new laws
  3. To decide if a person is guilty in court
  4. To command the Australian Defence Force

Answer: To maintain peace and order and protect life and property. The police maintain peace and order in the community. It is their job to protect life and property. They are independent of the government.

Is it a crime to offer a bribe to a police officer in Australia?

  1. Yes, it is a serious crime.
  2. No, it is a common practice.
  3. Yes, but only if the bribe is accepted.
  4. No, unless it involves a large amount of money.

Answer: Yes, it is a serious crime. In Australia, it is a serious crime to bribe the police. It is a crime to even offer a bribe to a police officer.

What is the main role of the Australian Federal Police (AFP)?

  1. To enforce state traffic laws.
  2. To investigate crimes against federal laws, such as drug trafficking.
  3. To interpret the Australian Constitution.
  4. To collect taxes for the Australian Government.

Answer: To investigate crimes against federal laws, such as drug trafficking. The AFP investigates crimes against federal laws, for example, drug trafficking, crimes against national security and crimes against the environment.

In the Australian court system, what is the status of an accused person before being found guilty?

  1. Considered innocent until found guilty
  2. Considered guilty until proven innocent
  3. Must represent themselves
  4. Not allowed to have a lawyer

Answer: Considered innocent until found guilty. In Australia's court system, people are considered innocent until they are found guilty in a court.

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