3.A LEVEL LAW’S REVISED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Causal - correct answer whereby a defendant's actions results in a prohibited consequence.
Hierarchy - correct answer to the extent that lower courts are bound by decisions in higher
courts.
Precedence - correct answer a process whereby past decisions are used as a basis for a current
decision.
Automatism - correct answer a state where the defendant acts in an automatic manner, eg a
reflex, and is not responsible for a crime.
Grievous - correct answer as in bodily harm, serious.
Stare decisis (lat) - correct answer stand by the decided - the basis of the doctrine of binding
precedent.
Ratio decidendi (lat) - correct answer reason for the decision - the part of the judgement that
produces binding precedent.
Culpability - correct answer blameworthiness- the basis for criminal liability.
Actus reus (lat) - correct answer guilty act - one of two key components of a crime.
Mens rea (lat) - correct answer guilty mind - one of two key components of a crime.
Causal - correct answer whereby a defendant's actions results in a prohibited consequence.
Hierarchy - correct answer to the extent that lower courts are bound by decisions in higher
courts.
Precedence - correct answer a process whereby past decisions are used as a basis for a current
decision.
Automatism - correct answer a state where the defendant acts in an automatic manner, eg a
reflex, and is not responsible for a crime.
Grievous - correct answer as in bodily harm, serious.
Stare decisis (lat) - correct answer stand by the decided - the basis of the doctrine of binding
precedent.
Ratio decidendi (lat) - correct answer reason for the decision - the part of the judgement that
produces binding precedent.
Culpability - correct answer blameworthiness- the basis for criminal liability.
Actus reus (lat) - correct answer guilty act - one of two key components of a crime.
Mens rea (lat) - correct answer guilty mind - one of two key components of a crime.
