A.O.S 2 - The presumption of innocence
Criminal Law
The body of law that relates to crime.
Standard of proof
The extent of a case to be proven.
Actus Reus
A Latin term for "Guilty Act"; The physical act of committing a crime.
Mens rea
A Latin term meaning 'guilty mind' and is the mental element of crime.
Common Law
A law made by judges
Summary offense
A minor offense usually heard within the magistrate court.
Accused
A person who has allegedly committed crime.
Accessory
A person who knows of someone who has witnessed a crime being committed.
Indictable offense
A serious offense typically heard by the Supreme or County court.
Indictable offense heard and determined summarily
A serious offense which can be determined as a summary offense if the court and accused agree.
Crime
An act against; (1) An existing law and/or (2) Harmful to an individual or society.
Jury
An independent group of people chosen at random to debate in a legal case.
Strict liability
For being responsible for committing a crime intentionally meant to harm.
Principal offender
Someone who has committed a guilty act (Actus Reus) Someone who has directly committed a crime.
Bail
The release of an accused from custody on terms that they will attend a court hearing to answer the charges.
Burden of proof
The responsibility of the party to prove a case; usually rests with the plaintiff.
Presumption of innocence
The right of the accused to be identified as innocent until proven guilty.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The standard of proof in a criminal case.