Theme C

• What is the role of law in everyday life?

  Laws govern actions of community members.
• Why do we have laws?

  To ensure smooth running of society.
• What are the functions of laws in society?

  • Protect the public, especially the vulnerable
  • Settle disputes between citizens
  • Ensure fair treatment of citizens
  • Manage citizen behaviors
  • Respond to advancements in technology and research
• How do laws impact citizen behavior?

  They discourage illegal actions and promote compliance.
• What are the reasons some people willfully break laws?

  To gain respect or highlight injustice.
• How do laws reflect societal values?

  They provide greater freedoms than previous generations.
• What are the age restrictions for legal rights in the UK?

  • Age 8: Consume alcohol at home with permission
  • Age 10: Criminal responsibility begins
  • Age 16: Can marry, buy lottery tickets, join armed forces
  • Age 17: Can drive a car
  • Age 18: Can vote, buy alcohol and cigarettes, make a will, stand as an MP
• Why are age restrictions placed on legal rights?

  To protect vulnerable young people.
• What is "capacity" in the context of legal rights?

  Understanding the impact of choices and decisions.
• What are the reasons for having a criminal responsibility age of 10?

  • Protects very young children from punishment
  • Prevents older children from excusing harmful actions
  • Ensures consistency across the country
• What are the fundamental principles of law?

  • Rule of law: No one is above the law
  • Presumption of innocence: Innocent until proven guilty
  • Equality before the law: Treat everyone the same
  • Access to justice: Ability to defend rights
• What is the main source of law in the UK?

  Legislation or Acts of Parliament.
• What is common law?

  Law based on case law and judicial decisions.
• What was the UK's relationship with EU law before January 2021?

  UK had to follow EU laws and regulations.
• What is the European Convention on Human Rights?

  A treaty ensuring human rights protections.
• What are the three legal systems in the UK?

  • England and Wales: Unified legal system
  • Scotland: Own legal system with Scots law
  • Northern Ireland: Own legal system with laws from Ireland and Westminster
• What is the highest court for all three legal systems in the UK?

  The Supreme Court.
• What are the two branches of law in the legal system?

  • Civil Law: Resolves disputes between individuals/groups
  • Criminal Law: Addresses violations of societal rules
• What does civil law deal with?

  Disputes between individuals, groups, or businesses.
• What does criminal law address?

  Violations of rules laid down by the government.
• What are the key differences between civil and criminal law?

  • Civil Law: Defendant or Respondent, judged by a judge
  • Criminal Law: Defendant, judged by magistrate or jury
  • Civil Law: Compensation, Criminal Law: Custodial sentences, community service, fines
• What are the key roles in the justice system?

  • Police: Enforce laws and ensure public safety
  • Judges: Interpret laws and decide cases
  • Magistrates: Judge criminal cases and set sentences
  • Juries: Decide innocence in crown courts
  • CPS: Advise police and present cases in court
  • Solicitors: Provide legal advice and representation
  • Barristers: Represent clients in court
• What is the role of the police?

  Enforce the law and ensure public safety.
• What powers do police constables have?

  Detain, stop and search, arrest without warrant.
• What is the role of judges in the legal system?

  Ensure legal customs are observed and decide sentences.
• What is the difference between full-time and part-time magistrates?

  Full-time are paid; part-time are volunteers.
• How many people are in a jury?

  12 people.
• What does the Crown Prosecution Service do?

  Advises police and decides on prosecutions.
• What is the role of solicitors?

  Provide legal advice and represent clients.
• What distinguishes barristers from solicitors?

  Barristers represent clients in court primarily.
• What is the role of probation officers?

  Supervise offenders receiving community sentences.
• What is the role of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)?

  Advise police on pursuing cases
• What does the CPS decide in complex cases?

  What to charge someone with
• How long do solicitors train before becoming qualified?

  6 years
• What is the primary role of solicitors?

  Examine issues and advise clients
• What do barristers primarily do?

  Represent clients in court
• How do barristers differ from solicitors?

  Barristers spend more time in court
• What is the role of probation officers?

  Supervise offenders with community sentences
• What are citizens in the legal system often referred to as?

  Lay people
• What roles can citizens volunteer for in the legal system?

  • Special constables
  • Jurors
  • Magistrates
  • Expert opinions for tribunal hearings