UndeRstanding the Legal COntext
A referendum occurs in a particular legal context that includes:
It can be impossible to understand the debates and disagreements about the Voice without some 'legal literacy'. This involves a sufficient understanding of the legal context and language which provide the foundation upon which those debates occur. This part seeks to provide an accessible overview of some of the important legal contexts in with the Voice referendum is occurring.
- A Constitution;
- Mountains of codified Legislation and Statutory Instruments;
- Reams of judicial decisions interpreting and developing the written and unwritten laws;
- A sea of unwritten and customary constitutional norms and practices
- A unique legal culture and political context
It can be impossible to understand the debates and disagreements about the Voice without some 'legal literacy'. This involves a sufficient understanding of the legal context and language which provide the foundation upon which those debates occur. This part seeks to provide an accessible overview of some of the important legal contexts in with the Voice referendum is occurring.