Theme C

• What is the primary role of law in society?

  To provide protection and settle disputes
• Why are laws necessary in society?

  Laws protect the public and ensure order
• What is the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales?

  10 years old
• What is the legal age limit for driving in the UK?

  17 years old
• What is the legal age for getting married without parental consent in the UK?

  18 years old
• At what age can a young person work part-time in the UK?

  13 years old
• What is the minimum age to join the armed forces without parental consent in the UK?

  18 years old
• Why are legal age limits set for actions like driving and voting?

  To protect young people from exploitation and ensure maturity
• What are the arguments for and against reducing the voting age to 16?

  For:

  • 16-year-olds are educated in citizenship
  • They can pay taxes and marry
  • They voted in the Scottish Referendum

  
  

  Against:

  • Lack of maturity and experience
  • Easily influenced
  • Need parental permission to marry
• What is the age of criminal responsibility in Scotland?

  8 years old
• What happens to children under the age of 10 in terms of criminal responsibility?

  They cannot be arrested or charged with a crime
• What is the legal status of children aged 10 in England and Wales regarding understanding right and wrong?

  They are considered old enough to understand right from wrong
• What type of court can young people aged 10 to 17 go to if charged with a crime?

  A youth court
• What can happen to a child aged 10 if they are charged with a crime?

  They can be sent to an adult court for trial
• What are the legal age limits for various actions in the UK?

  • Driving: 17
  • Getting married with parental consent: 16
  • Getting married without parental consent: 18
  • Working part-time: 13
  • Working full-time (with restrictions): 16
  • Working full-time: 18
  • Joining the armed forces with parental consent: 16
  • Joining the armed forces without parental consent: 18
• What are the fundamental principles of law?

  To uphold citizen’s rights and freedoms through the rule of law, presumption of innocence, equality before the law, and equal access to justice.
• What are the basic rights and freedoms that governments must uphold?

  • The right to life
  • The right to freedom of expression
  • The right to a fair and free trial
• What are the three key points of the rule of law?

  All citizens must obey the law, it protects against abuse of power, and ensures accountability for breaking the law.
• What does the presumption of innocence entail?

  A person accused of an offence is held to be innocent until proven guilty.
• What is the purpose of a trial in the context of presumption of innocence?

  To hear evidence that might lead to conviction while maintaining the accused's innocence until guilt is established.
• What rights do citizens have under equality before the law?

  • Right to respect without discrimination
  • Right to a fair and public hearing
  • Right to prepare a defense and question witnesses
  • Right for judgments to be public
  • Right to appeal decisions
• What does access to justice mean for citizens?

  All citizens should have access to justice without suffering unfair treatment due to social characteristics.
• What is a defendant entitled to in a trial?

  A defendant has a right to a defense and legal representation.
• What are two threats to access to justice?

  • Cuts to legal aid funding
  • Closure of local courts
• What year did England and Wales join together to share a legal system?

  1543
• What significant event occurred in 1707 regarding Scotland?

  Scotland joined England and Wales with the Act of Union but retained a separate legal system.
• What happened in 1921 concerning Ireland?

  Most of Ireland became independent from Britain, but six counties in Northern Ireland remained.
• What is common law?

  • Judge-made laws or case law
  • Stems from judges interpreting previous decisions
  • Known as judicial precedent
• What is the role of Parliament in legislation?

  Parliament is the most important source of new legislation in the UK.
• What is required for a bill to become an Act?

  A bill must pass through Parliament.
• What is the significance of the UK Parliament being sovereign?

  It means Parliament can make law on anything it chooses.
• When did the UK join the European Union?

  1973
• What does EU law have over a country's own laws?

  EU law has primacy, meaning all laws must be consistent with EU law.
• What was one reason for the UK deciding to leave the EU in 2016?

  To take back control of all aspects of law-making.
• What are the two types of law that protect citizens from crime or offences?

  • Criminal law: maintains order and protects society
  • Civil law: upholds rights in disputes
• What is the purpose of criminal law?

  To protect the public from harm caused by crimes.
• What are examples of crimes against a person?

  • Murder
  • Robbery
  • Rape
  • Forcible entry
• What are examples of crimes against property?

  • Fraud
  • Arson
  • Vandalism
• What is the purpose of civil law?

  • To settle disputes involving rights between groups or individuals
  • Examples include debts, personal injury, and family matters
• What are examples of civil disputes?

  • Work-related disputes
  • Debt disputes
  • Consumer disputes
  • Property disputes
  • Copyright disputes
  • Contractual disputes
  • Personal injury