commonwealth

Australia's #1 for Law
Join 150,000 Australians every month. Ask a question, respond to a question and better understand the law today!
FREE - Join Now
A commonwealth is a traditional English term for a political community founded for the common good. Historically it has sometimes been synonymous with "republic". The noun "commonwealth", meaning "public welfare general good or advantage", dates from the 15th century. Originally a phrase (the common-wealth or the common wealth – echoed in the modern synonym "public wealth") it comes from the old meaning of "wealth", which is "well-being", and is itself a loose translation of the Latin res publica (republic). The term literally meant "common well-being". In the 17th century, the definition of "commonwealth" expanded from its original sense of "public welfare" or "commonweal" to mean "a state in which the supreme power is vested in the people; a republic or democratic state".The term evolved to become a title to a number of political entities. Three countries – Australia, the Bahamas, and Dominica – have the official title "Commonwealth", as do four U.S. states and two U.S. territories. Since the early 20th century, the term has been used to name some fraternal associations of nations, most notably the Commonwealth of Nations, an organization primarily of former territories of the British Empire, which is often referred to as simply "the Commonwealth".

View More On Wikipedia.org
  1. J

    ACT Commonwealth Fraud

    Has anyone in this forum been prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecution regarding Commonwealth fraud, specifically Child support fraud? If so what was your experience and outcome? Also does anyone know of any case law on this matter? Thanks (I have also posted this question...
  2. dyspat

    Commonwealth Grandfathered Amendments

    Can you advise if an Australian Legislated Act that has been Grandfathered be amended after it is grandfathered?
  3. D

    Commonwealth Government Freedom Of Information Departments?

    Are Freedom Of Information departments within Commonwealth Government Departments supposed to be independent? Is there a law or a policy that ensures this or something a requestor of government held information can use to ensure this happens? This question is general. For any...
  4. L

    Mandatory Sentencing (Commonwealth)

    What are some examples of Commonwealth mandatory sentencing requirements in Australia? Lately, I've only been able to find state examples so any help is appreciated. Thank you.
  5. D

    VIC Commonwealth Vs State control?

    Does anyone know if a legal matter being addressed by the Commonwealth can be handed over to the States and thus be placed under state control. What about in areas where the federal government has exclusive powers as per the constitution? Basically what I'm asking is if the federal...
  6. T

    NSW Tax Crime - Criminal Appeal - Commonwealth Criminal Code Act

    In 2016, I was convicted of seven offences pursuant of s.134.2(1) of the CCA 1994 (Cth'). Crucial to the CDPP's case against me were amended tax (tax) assessments that were at the time subject to review in Part IVC proceedings before the AAT. I was subsequently imprisoned for 3.5 years. I have...
  7. P

    WA Commonwealth Bank sold my debt even though in debt agreement

    I had a personal loan with commonwealth bank as well as a couple other debts. I entered a debt agreement end of last month that commonwealth bank voted yes to, and then I get a letter stating as of 5 days after the beginning of said debt agreement they have on sold my debt to a collection...
  8. A

    NSW basics of law, commonwealth or state acts, university question

    I know this is probably a dumb question, but i was wondering how you tell weather an act/rule is commonwealth or state act?. for example what would Air Great Lakes Pty Ltd v KS Easter (Holdings) Pty Ltd Supreme Court of New South Wales [1989] 2 NSWLR 309 be classified as and why plus how was...
  9. T

    QLD Location order or commonwealth information order process?

    I’m asking This for a friend who needs some help in how to go about bringing an application with the Courts to have some form of contact re-established with his daughter. Parties were in a relationship for approximately 10 years and have one child together. The mother stole a large sum of...
  10. B

    VIC Constructing Clause in Agreement Complying with Indian and Australian Law?

    Hello Lawyers, I have a clause in my draft software agreement with an Indian software development company which states; Quote: 5 Choice of Law; Venue; Limitation of Actions: This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the...