Q1. In your own words, explain the terms “Common Law and “Equity”.

In my understanding, the term “Common Law” means that law which are set by judges in which
the current judge must make decision by referring to the decision made by predecessors
(previous judge) which the case is similar in fact. This is also known as doctrine of stare decisis
which promotes uniformity and standardization. The remedial aim of this law is to give
compensation in monetary form.
The term “Equity” was slightly different as it serves as a supplement rather than replacing
common law. This court of equity was leaded by the lord chancellor (religious leader) in the past.
The remedial aim of this law in to promote equitable remedy in which cases where monetary
compensation is not adequate to bring fairness. Example of equity decision made by court may
be injunction or specific performance.
Q2. How would you distinguish Civil Law from Criminal Law?
I would distinguish Civil Law from Criminal Law in the aspect of burden of proof. In civil law,
the burden of proof is lower compared to criminal law. This is due to the claimant/plaintiff (the
person who sue) only have to provide evidence which satisfy the needs of the court and make
the court believes, thus he or she can have a higher probability of winning. In contrast, for
criminal law, the burden of proof is much higher because the prosecutor must find evidence
which can convince the court that there is no other reasonable explanation that can come
form the evidence that is presented in the trial. By this, the judge can only come to one
conclusion after looking at the evidence which is the accused is guilty.
Aside from burden of proof, another obvious difference is on the aim of the law. The civil law is
not pecuniary in nature which means that its objective is not the punish the people, but rather
than getting a compensation. Therefore, the law which are commonly located under this civil
law is like customer law, contract law, tourism law and other more. In contrast, the criminal
law’s purpose is to punish the offender of committing a crime if he or she is guilty. Examples
of punishment are jail, fine and community-based service.
Q3. Briefly explain your understanding of the phrase ‘Legal System’.
The legal system is like a framework or channel which shows the process and procedures of
enforcing the law. Besides that, the legal system also contains the rights and responsibilities
of the authorities which they show obey and the areas that which they should not violate. This is
to ensure the country can be in a systematic and orderly which disagreement can be resolved by
the legal system. It also functions to regulate the relationship between parties, nations and
organizations. Examples of legal system: civil law, common law or religious law , mixed system
Conscience- know what is right or wrong in a given situation

Give examples of countries which use the system