Assessment booklet for:
BSBLEG413A – Identify and apply the legal framework
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Instructions to learner:
Employability Skills
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Technology required:
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Version 1.0, October, 2011
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1
10283NAT Certificate IV in Crime and Justice
BSBRES413 – Identify and apply the legal framework
Complete all parts of the assessment booklet in accordance with the conditions of
each part.
Communication skills
Learning
Technology
Planning and organising
Problem solving
Legal Dictionary for Australians. 2nd ed. By Alderson (McGraw Hill)
Legal Studies for Qld Volume 1 (Woodgate at el)
Word processing software
Computer and printer
Internet access
 Use black 11 or 12 point font
 Use 1.5 line spacing and 2.5 cm margins
 Proofread for spelling, grammar and punctuation
 Use appropriate headings and subheadings
 Prepare a bibliography using the Harvard Referencing System listing sources and
citing in-text quotations and legislation (including section numbers)
 Insert a header or footer that includes the unit code, your name and page
numbers
Estimated Completion Date:
Please answer the below questions by highlighting a response:
Did I find the assessment task easy to understand? Yes No
I found the assessment interesting and engaging? Yes No
I learnt new knowledge and skills from this assessment? Yes No
I received support from my trainer during this assessment? Yes No
Any other comments:
Date:
Date:
Assessment booklet for: 2
BSBLEG413A – Identify and apply the legal framework

Record of Assessment:

The tasks within this unit involve knowledge, attitude, skills as well as employability skills, required to undertake
tasks in a justice administration environment. The tasks are set at AQF Level IV.

Assessment task Element of Date received Evidence towards

competency competency
1 Exam Elements 1,2, 5,6

2 Court Report Elements 3,4

Overall Assessment Result:  Satisfactory Unsatisfactory

BSBLEG413A

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1. Identify sources of 1.1. Identify the main institutions of government in Australia
law 1.2. Research sources of Australian law
1.3. Assess rules for resolving conflicts of laws
2. Identify and analyse 2.1. Identify legislative powers of the Australian federal government and
relationships between limits on that power
the Australian federal 2.2. Analyse the legislative powers of the states and territories
government and the 2.3. Evaluate the relationship between the legislative powers of the
states and territories Australian federal government and the states and territories
3. Differentiate between 3.1. Identify and examine the differences in law and procedures between
civil and criminal civil and criminal proceedings
proceedings 3.2. Analyse the findings and determine which court would hear particular
cases
4. Examine elements of 4.1. Identify main features of the adversary system of trial
the adversary system 4.2. Evaluate these features and determine how they apply in the context of
of trial the legal environment
5. Examine elements of 5.1. Identify the main features of the principles of precedent
precedent 5.2. Analyse how precedent is applied in the context of a legal
environment
5.3. Examine and document the outcomes of precedent
6. Examine legislation 6.1. Examine principles for reading and interpreting legislation
6.2. Apply principles for reading and interpreting legislation in the context
of a legal environment

Critical aspects for Evidence of the ability to:

assessment and evidence
required to demonstrate
competency in this unit
explain the differences between Australian law making institutions
identify appropriate institutions to hear civil versus criminal proceedings
demonstrate how the adversarial system of trial operates
demonstrate the application and outcomes of the principles of precedent
read and interpret legislation.

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BSBLEG413A – Identify and apply the legal framework

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BSBLEG413A – Identify and apply the legal framework

PART A EXAM: You will need your own paper to answer some parts of this exam

Answer the following questions by circling the letter that corresponds with a correct answer.

1 The Australian Legal System is based upon the:

(a) British Law System
(b) American Bill of Rights
(c) Constitution of Australia
(d) British Feudal Law System

2 The two principal sources of Australian law are:

(a) Common law and precedent law
(b) Statute law and case law
(c) Common law and law reports
(d) Statute law and regulations

3 The main authority to make laws in Australia rests with:

(a) Judges
(b) Governor-General
(c) Superior Courts
(d) Parliaments

4 The person bringing a civil case to court is referred to as the:

(a) Prosecutor
(b) Defendant
(c) Plaintiff
(d) Convicted

5 A woman who killed her husband claiming years of abuse as her defence would be tried in the:
(a) High Court
(b) Family Court
(c) Supreme Court
(d) Federal Court

6 The strongest protection against abuses of power within Australian parliament is:
(a) The existence of the referendum process
(b) The separation of powers
(c) The judiciary caste system
(d) The establishment of a precedent based Common law system

7 In Queensland, the Lower House of Parliament is known as:

(a) House of Representatives
(b) Legislative Assembly
(c) Legislative Council
(d) There is no lower house- it was abolished

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BSBLEG413A – Identify and apply the legal framework

8 Australian Parliament is given legislative power via:

(a) Section 51 of the Constitution
(b) Section 31 of the Constitution
(c) Section 15 of the constitution
(d) Section 13 of the Constitution

9 Which of these is NOT a step in the process of changing the Constitution?

(a) Receiving royal assent
(b) Adhering to the principle of ratio decidendi
(c) Holding a referendum
(d) Receiving a double majority

10 One thing the Constitution DOES NOT do is:

(a) Establish the High Court of Australia
(b) Allocate executive power
(c) Establish Canberra as the nation’s capital
(d) Allow for an Australian democracy

In the space provided, write an appropriate legal word or words which most correctly match the
following descriptions:

(a) The Court which decides Constitutional matters _________________

(b) Legal principles which are considered but are not used in a court’s final decision
______________________________
(c) A person who has the final responsibility in passing new Statute law at a State
level____________________________
(d) The type of law where others take action against the offender on behalf of society
______________________
(e) A draft of proposed legislation presented to Parliament ________________

Draw a diagram showing the court structure in Australia. Within each court, suggest one case that
might be heard in that court which clearly shows the jurisdiction the court has.

On your own paper, write a response of two or three (2 or 3) paragraphs outlining the responsibilities
and roles of a judge in the courtroom. Your paragraph must demonstrate correct use of ALL of the
following legal terms:

 Precedent
 Convicted
 Ratio decidendi
 Sentence
 Acquitted
 Obiter dicta
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BSBLEG413A – Identify and apply the legal framework

Read the following 3 (three) case studies then answer the three questions that follow:

O’BRIEN v FREYLING
O’Brien and Freyling have been neighbours for many years. O’Brien buys a house cow and on its first night
it goes through their common fence and eats all of Freyling’s roses which were soon to be entered in the
local show. Freyling sues O’Brien for damages and the District Court judge decides in favour of Freyling
stating that where an owner of livestock has inadequate fencing he is liable for damages caused if the
livestock escapes through that fencing.

PITOT v TAYLOR
Pitot is in the process of doing extensive renovations to her house and yard, including installing a new
swimming pool. While Taylor is on holidays, Pitot dismantles part of their adjoining fence to dig out the
roots of a tree she has chopped down. Taylor’s goats escape through the gap in the fence and cause havoc on
Pitot’s property including damage to freshly laid concrete and eating some of her new pool furnishings. Pitot
brings an action in the District Court claiming damages and relying on the decision in O’Brien v Freyling.
Taylor defends the case by arguing that his fencing was adequate and that O’brien v Freyling should not
apply. The judge decides in favour of Taylor since his fencing was adequate and because a livestock owner
who takes all reasonable precautions to ensure his livestock do not damage neighbour’s property can not be
liable if, through the actions of others, they do damage property. Also, he felt that it was a matter of common
courtesy for a person to tell their neighbour if they intend to temporarily dismantle their common fence.

ROBINSON v ALLEN
Allen, a horse owner, lives next to Robinson. One night in a fierce storm, their adjoining fence is struck by
lightning and one of Allen’s horses, in a state of fright, runs onto Robinson’s property and straight into
Robinson’s Porsche, causing considerable damage. Robinson brings an action in the Supreme Court.

1. Clearly state the ratio decidendi in Pitot v Taylor.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________

2. Choose an example of obiter dicta in Pitot v Taylor

_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________

3. Which (if any) of the two cases (O’Brien v Freyling, Pitot v Taylor) is binding
precedent on the judge in Robinson v Allen? Briefly explain.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________

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BSBLEG413A – Identify and apply the legal framework

Answer the following by writing TRUE or FALSE next to the following statements.
(a) The Queensland court system is a hierarchical or tier-court system
(b) District courts have only an original jurisdiction
(c) A civil offence involving $238 500 would be heard in the Supreme Court
(d) The main role of the courts is to interpret statute law
(e) The onus of proof is equal through all court proceedings
(f) The leader of the State Government is the Premier
(g) A court’s authority to hear a particular case is referred to as its hierarchy
(h) If there is an inconsistency between a law made by a court decision and a law made by an Act
of Parliament, the Act of Parliament will be applied
(i) The standard of proof required in a civil case is probable cause
(j) The Separation of Powers is a split in power between Legislative, Parliament and Judicial
functions

End of Examination

PART B

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BSBLEG413A – Identify and apply the legal framework

Australian Law
Making
Institutions
Certificate IV in Crime and Justice

Student Name:

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BSBLEG413A – Identify and apply the legal framework

Diagram of a Court Room

(use the space below to draw a diagram of a courtroom . Name the personnel and briefly outline
their role)

Court Differences

Outline the differences between the layout, function and operation of the District or Supreme Court compared to the
Magistrate’s Court. Compare and contrast the operation of the two different court types using the table below:

MAGISTRATE’S COURT DISTRICT/SUPREME COURT

Layout and Presided over by a Magistrate
Referred to as “Your Worship”
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BSBLEG413A – Identify and apply the legal framework

Personnel Magistrate wears a black robe but no

wig
Personnel: court clerk, police
prosecutor
Defense: accused sometimes
appears without legal representation
but usually with a duty lawyer or
solicitor
Very busy – several cases dealt with
per hour
Less formal
Function and Deals with less serious crimes
type of cases (simple offences) or summary
offences – non indictable crimes.
heard

Operation Most cases are quite short – lasting

several minutes to ½ hour
Police Prosecutor outlines nature of
the case and offences committed
Defense solicitor attempts to explain
circumstances and present client in a
more favourable light
Accused often pleads guilty and the
Magistrate hands down sentence
Jury No jury

Sentencing Sentencing options include – fine,

community service orders, good
behaviour bonds

CASE REVIEW: (based on a case viewed at your court visit if you can get to a courthouse. If you
are unable to get to a view a case you can use a newspaper article instead)

Case heard in: ………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Case name: (R v…………….) ……………………………………………………………………………..

Charge/s:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Locate the piece of legislation that contains the charges (use either austlii or
www.legislation.qld.gov.au ). What is the name of the legislation and what section of this
legislation has the accused been charged with?:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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BSBLEG413A – Identify and apply the legal framework

Background:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Procedural Point (at what point in the trial are you viewing or is the newspaper article reporting
on?):
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

What aspects of the Adversarial System are evident in this case:

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Your verdict:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Jury verdict*:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Sentence*:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

*Note: You may need to follow the case via newspaper reports to find the final outcome of this case and the sentence
imposed by the judge

NEWSPAPER CASE REVIEW: you are to find one (1) case (civil or criminal) reported on in a
newspaper. Fill out the details below:

*Please attach a copy of the newspaper article to this assignment.

Case heard in: ………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Case name: (R v…………….) ……………………………………………………………………………..

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Name of judge presiding:

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Charge/s:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Locate the piece of legislation that contains the charges (use either austlii or
www.legislation.qld.gov.au ). What is the name of the legislation and what section of this
legislation has the accused been charged with?:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Background:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Verdict (or predicted verdict):

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Sentence*:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

*If available

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Differences between Australian law making institutions

View the following videos and then fill in the diagram below:

Video 1 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfBsmNY8N20

Video 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSqMPQQOMBo

Video 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K602W6dSVEg

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BSBLEG413A – Identify and apply the legal framework

Who introduced this bill?

……………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………..

What is the bill in regards to? What is the name

of the
bill?………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………..

Why is the bill being introduced?

……………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………..

What was the outcome of this bill in the House

of Representatives?
……………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………..

What was the outcome of this bill in the Senate?

Why?
……………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………..

At what stage of the bill making process was the

bill at? (as outlined in the video (video 2)
……………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………..

In 300 -400 words, outline the main differences between the law making process in court and
parliament?
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Based on your observations of a court case or from your research, what are some of the
advantages and disadvantages of the Adversarial system?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Please provide a correctly set out bibliography of any sources you accessed to assist in your
responses.

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BSBLEG413A – Identify and apply the legal framework

End of report

MARKING CHECKLIST

Learner’s Name: ……………………………………………………………

CRITERIA S U
An explanation of the differences between Australian law making institutions has been given

Appropriate identification of institutions to hear civil versus criminal proceedings provided

A demonstration how the adversarial system of trial operates provided

A demonstration of the application and outcomes of the principles of precedent correctly given

Student is able to read and interpret legislation

Large chunks of material from websites or brochures have not been used. Use of own words is
evidenced throughout.
Citations have been used in the appropriate places

Grammar, punctuation and spelling are appropriate.

Correct bibliography has been provided

Assessor judgement for Task 1:  Satisfactory Unsatisfactory

Feedback to learner:

Version 1.0, October, 2011

Review date: October, 2012