Australia Law Making Process

Which body is responsible for making laws that apply uniformly across all of Australia?

What is legislation more commonly referred to as in the context of parliamentary law-making?

In which scenario would a state parliament likely make a law?

What principle states that a judge's decision can create a law that other courts must follow?

Which of the following is an example of a body that can make minor laws on behalf of parliament?

Which of the following statements is true regarding the roles of different parliaments in Australia?

What term is used to describe the laws created by judges in higher courts?

What is the minimum age to apply for a probationary motor vehicle driver licence in Western Australia?

Law-Making Bodies in Australia

Laws in Australia are created by various bodies including Commonwealth, state, territory parliaments, local councils, and court judges.
Commonwealth Parliament in Canberra enacts laws applicable nationwide, while state and territory parliaments focus on local laws.

Role of Parliament in Law Making

Parliaments are composed of elected representatives who create laws on behalf of society.
Laws passed by parliament are known as legislation, statutes, or Acts.
Responsibilities of parliaments differ: Commonwealth handles national issues, while state parliaments manage regional concerns.

Examples of Legislation

Commonwealth Parliament regulates laws such as marriage and divorce applicable to all Australians.
State parliaments create laws like driving regulations which may differ by state; e.g., minimum driving age is 17 in Western Australia and 18 in Victoria.

Statutory Authorities

Statutory authorities, such as local councils and other organizations, are established by parliament to create more specific and timely laws.
Local councils can legislate on issues like park usage, waste management, garage sales, and noise regulations (e.g., barking dogs).

Role of Courts in Law Making

Courts, particularly supreme and high courts, can create legal principles through judge-made decisions.
These judicial decisions establish common law, which must be adhered to by lower courts in similar cases.

Legal Compliance

All individuals in Australia are required to obey established laws, illustrating the significance of legal frameworks in society.

This quiz explores the role of parliament in the law-making process in Australia. It highlights the different bodies involved in creating laws, including Commonwealth and state parliaments, local councils, and court judges. Test your knowledge of how legislation is formed and its significance.