1. The UK Legal System and Citizens’ Rights

What is Civil Law and how does it work?

Civil Law deals with disputes between individuals or organisations. Courts often award financial compensation (damages). Example: A neighbour sues for property damage.

What is Common Law and how is it formed?

Common Law develops over time through judges’ decisions rather than written statutes. Example: Self-defence rules evolved through case law.

What is Criminal Law and who prosecutes it?

Criminal Law concerns actions that break societal rules. The state prosecutes offenders to maintain order. Example: Theft

What are Human Rights?

Human Rights are fundamental freedoms everyone is entitled to

What is the role of the Judiciary?

The Judiciary interprets and applies the law and includes judges and legal officials. Example: Supreme Court judges ruling on government overreach in 2019.

What are Juries and what do they do?

Juries are groups of randomly selected citizens who decide guilt or innocence in serious criminal cases. Example: Jury decides the outcome of a manslaughter trial in Crown Court.

What does Justice mean in the legal system?

Justice is fair treatment in society through the application of law. Example: MPs prosecuted in the 2009 expenses scandal.

What is the Legislature?

The Legislature is the law-making body

What are Rights?

Rights are legal entitlements granted to citizens. Example: Right to vote or access education.

What are Trade Unions?

Trade Unions are organisations that protect workers’ rights and negotiate wages or conditions. Example: NEU campaigning for better teacher pay.

What are Appeals in the legal system?

Appeals are requests to a higher court to overturn or review a lower court’s decision. Example: Defendant appeals a sentence in the Court of Appeal.

Who is a Defendant?

A Defendant is a person accused of committing a crime or civil wrong. Example: Accused in a civil case for breach of contract.

What is a Tribunal?

A Tribunal is a specialised court resolving specific disputes

What is the UK Supreme Court?

The UK Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal in the UK. Example: Decides cases of national importance

What are the key Principles of Law?

Justice: laws applied fairly

What is Stop and Search and its purpose?

Stop and Search allows police to stop

How does Stop and Search work and give examples?

Police need reasonable suspicion. Can search people

What are the positive and negative effects of Stop and Search?

Positive: removes illegal weapons

How does Stop and Search relate to British Values?

Rule of Law: police act under legal powers. Individual Liberty: may limit freedom if unfair. Equality: everyone should be treated equally but minorities overrepresented.

What is the Nature of Laws?

Laws provide legal certainty

What are key global protections in law?

UDHR 1948: sets global human rights standards. ICC: prosecutes war crimes. EAW: allows efficient extradition within the EU.

What are the roles and powers of Police in the UK?

Maintain order

What are the roles of the Judiciary in the UK?

Judges and magistrates hear cases

What are the roles of Legal Representatives?

Legal Executives: assist solicitors. Solicitors: give advice

What is the role of Judges?

Judges control court proceedings

What is the difference between Civil and Criminal Law?

Civil Law: brought by individuals/organisations

What is the Magna Carta (1215) and its importance?

Signed by King John