The branch of government that is responsible for deciding legal disputes and which presides over the court system
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Magistrate
A judges who presides over the lowest level of criminal court, mainly considering 'summary offences'
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Common Law
Law that is based on long-standing customs and traditions; common law is used mainly in the UK and its former colonies
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Mandatory Sentences
Sentences that are laid down in legislation, and so remove discretion over sentences from judges
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Administrative Law
The body of law that governs the exercise of powers and duties by public authorities
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Parliamentary Privilege
A set of legal privileges intended to safeguard MP's and peers from outside interference, notably the right to absolute freedom of speech within Parliament
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Due Process
The proper conduct of legal proceedings, involving, in particular, respect for an individual's legal rights
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Judicial Independence
The principle that the actions and decisions of judges should not be influenced by pressure from other branches of government
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Judicial Activism
The willingness of judges to arbitrate in political disputes as opposed to merely declaring the 'letter of law'
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Neutrality
The absence of any from of partisanship or commitment; a refusal to 'take sides'.
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Accountability
Either giving an an account of something or being held to account
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Civil Liberties
A range of rights and freedoms that belong to the citizens and mark out a 'private' realm which government should leave alone
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International Law
The rules that define the behaviour of, and relationship between, states; the UN is the main source of international law
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Ombudsman
A public officer appointed to safeguard citizens rights and investigate allegations of maladministration; the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, set up in 1967, acts as the 'parliamentary ombudsman'
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Delegated Legistration
Laws that allow other bodies to act with Parliament's legal authority; secondary or enabling legislation
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Ultra Vires
Literally 'beyond the power' this applies when public servants have acted illegally because their actions have no statutory authority.
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Authoritarianism
The practice of rule 'from above' government that is imposed on citizens regardless of their consent
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
A judges who presides over the lowest level of criminal court, mainly considering 'summary offences'
Back
Magistrate
Card 3
Front
Law that is based on long-standing customs and traditions; common law is used mainly in the UK and its former colonies
Back
Card 4
Front
Sentences that are laid down in legislation, and so remove discretion over sentences from judges
Back
Card 5
Front
The body of law that governs the exercise of powers and duties by public authorities
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