Which principle is fundamental to the Australian legal system?

The principle that is fundamental to the Australian legal system is the rule of law. This concept underpins the governance of Australia, ensuring that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are accountable under the law. The rule of law promotes the idea that laws should be applied equally and fairly, protecting individuals from arbitrary exercise of power. It establishes the principle that no one is above the law, thereby ensuring justice and fairness in legal proceedings.

While majority rule, the principle of equity, and the presumption of innocence are also important concepts within the legal framework, they do not serve as the foundational principle of the entire legal system. Majority rule pertains more to democratic governance and decision-making rather than the entirety of legal processes. The principle of equity addresses fairness in legal judgments and complements the law, but it is not the central tenet. The presumption of innocence is a vital right in criminal proceedings, ensuring that individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty, but is also one aspect of a larger legal framework governed by the rule of law.