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Australia’s legal system – what’s the law?

Last updated: 21/07/2015

Listen

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.

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