The Criminal Justice System

  • This case note examines the trial of Greg Lynn, highlighting how jury decision‑making, evidentiary safeguards, and judicial independence protect fairness in serious criminal cases. It shows how the presumption of innocence and the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt shaped the split verdict, illustrating core rule‑of‑law principles in practice.

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  • A student activity based on the Chris Dawson case that asks learners to determine an appropriate sentence before the actual judgment is revealed. It encourages consideration of key sentencing factors such as the seriousness of the offence, aggravating and mitigating circumstances, and the purposes of punishment. The task helps develop understanding of how courts weigh evidence and individual circumstances to reach a fair and proportionate outcome.

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  • A student activity based on the Baden-Clay case that explores key legal concepts such as jury trials, circumstantial evidence, and the appeals process. It asks learners to analyse evidence, consider challenges juries face when interpreting indirect evidence, and distinguish between offences like murder and manslaughter. The task also encourages understanding of how appeals contribute to fairness and uphold the rule of law.

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  • A collection of student activities based on the Skaf case that help learners apply rule of law principles to real-world legal issues. The resources cover topics such as law reform, criminal investigation, trial processes, sentencing, and themes like discretion and effectiveness. They encourage critical thinking through analysis, discussion, and debate, helping students evaluate how the legal system responds to serious crimes and upholds justice.

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R v Baden Clay Classroom Activities

  1. What caused the initial trial to be heard by a jury?

  2. List the difficulties of a case being based on circumstantial evidence where a jury is involved.

  3. Using the link below, review the Chronology submitted by the Crown to the HCA:  https://www.hcourt.gov.au/sites/default/files/assets/cases/b33-2016/Baden-Clay_Chrono.pdf

    Identify what you believe to be the 3 most important pieces of evidence, discuss their relevance to the Crown case and predict how the defence may question the validity of that evidence.

  4. Outline the difference between the charges of murder and manslaughter. Account for the differences in sentencing of these offences.

  5. Explain how the right to appeal supports the achievement of justice for individuals and upholds the rule of law.

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    This pilot page uses the conceptual structure and themes from the existing website. Wording can be further refined later, but the framework is aligned with the current website and metadata model.

  • Coming Soon!

    This pilot page uses the conceptual structure and themes from the existing website. Wording can be further refined later, but the framework is aligned with the current website and metadata model.