YEAR 9 CIVICS AND CITIZENSHIP

PRINCIPLES OF AUSTRALIA’S LEGAL SYSTEM

We have been looking at some key beliefs and ideas about the legal system in Australia.

The four key principles we have looked at are:

1. All individuals are equal before the law

2. Individuals have a right to a fair hearing
3. The judiciary is independent and impartial
4. Individuals have the right to a reasonable appeal

This activity focuses on – equality before the law and the right to a fair hearing.

In class we discussed those people and groups in Australia who did not always get fair treatment under the law.

Tasks:

1. On our SEQTA cover page find the documents – EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW INFOGRAPHICS.
2. Working with another person (if you like) examine each group and decide why and how they may not experience equality before the law or a fair hearing. Use
specific evidence from the source to support your ideas. You need to TWO examples for each group.
3. Complete the summary table below: (an example has been done for you)

GROUP ISSUES THE GROUP FACES EVIDENCE FROM THE SOURCE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS HOW CAN THESE BE
ADDRESSED/DEALT WITH?
CULTURAL 1. Language – not speaking 1. 20% of people in Australia 1. May have difficulty 1. Providing translators and
DIVERSITY English or having limited speak a language other than understanding the legal interpreters, publishing
English language English at home system and processes because information in different
of language issues languages
GROUP ISSUES THE GROUP FACES EVIDENCE FROM THE SOURCE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS HOW CAN THESE BE
ADDRESSED/DEALT WITH?
ABORIGINAL
AND TORRES
SRTAIT
ISLANDERS

ASYLUM
SEEKERS AND
REFUGEES

CHILDREN’S
RIGHTS
GROUP ISSUES THE GROUP FACES EVIDENCE FROM THE SOURCE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS HOW CAN THESE BE
ADDRESSED/DEALT WITH?
DISABILITY
RIGHTS

GENDER
EQUALITY

OLDER
AUSTRALIANS