This video story provides information about Australia's legal system.
It is the part of a series of videos about the law for people who have recently arrived in Australia.
Australia's Legal System - Student Kit - 209KB PDF File (2 pages).
Australia's Legal System Teacher Kit - 183KB PDF File (2 pages).
Transcript of Video
Abdi is wearing a jumper.
Gahmal is in a t-shirt and wearing a cap.
Abdi: I want to be the Prime Minister! Then I can drive fast. Do whatever I like!
Gahmal: No, even the Prime Minister has to follow the law. They can get a fine too.
Abdi: OK, Iíll be a police officer then. Then I can make people do what I want.
Gahmal: No, police can only ask you to do what the law says. They have to follow the law too.
Abdi: So who makes the laws?
Gahmal: Politicians make the law.
Abdi: OK, Iíll be a politician. Iíll pay people and they will vote for me!
Gahmal: You can't buy votes in Australia! I'm 18 and next election I'm going to vote for who I think will work the hardest. No one can tell me how to vote.
Abdi: Well, how about judges? Can we pay them to do what we want? I have to go to court soon.
Gahmal: You will be in trouble if you try to give money to a judge. Even judges have to be honest and follow the law.
Abdi: Ohhh, I'm so worried. What will happen in court?
Gahmal: First the police talk, then you have a chance to tell your story. Then the judge makes a decision.
Abdi: But I don't know what to say.
Gahmal: You can get a lawyer to help you.
Abdi: But I don't want everyone to know my problem.
Gahmal: Lawyers have to keep everything private, unless you tell the lawyer that he can tell someone else.
Abdi: But I don't have any money.
Gahmal: You can get free legal help, and a free interpreter.
Abdi: Really? Cool, I think I want to be a lawyer.