Theme C

• What is the definition of law?

  Law is a system of rules enforced by institutions, such as courts and police, that regulates behavior, ensures order, and protects individuals and society.
• How does law protect individuals from harm?

  Laws, such as those against theft, assault, and domestic abuse, help safeguard people's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. For example, the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 protects individuals from stalking and harassment.
• What is the role of the Equality Act 2010?

  The Equality Act 2010 ensures fairness by prohibiting discrimination based on characteristics like race, gender, age, disability, religion, and sexual orientation.
• What functions does law serve in society?

  Law serves to protect the public (e.g., preventing knife crime), settle disputes (e.g., in family law or contract disputes), ensure fair treatment (e.g., preventing racial discrimination), encourage positive behavior (e.g., seatbelt laws), and adapt to societal changes (e.g., cybercrime laws addressing online fraud).
• How do laws adapt to new societal challenges?

  For example, the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and the Data Protection Act 2018 are designed to regulate online privacy and protect personal data in the digital age.
• What is the age of criminal responsibility in the UK?

  The age of criminal responsibility in the UK is 10, meaning children aged 10 or older can be charged with criminal offences.
• What are some key ages and legal rights in the UK?

  • 14: Can work part-time
  • 16: Can marry with parental consent, join the armed forces
  • 17: Can drive a car
  • 18: Can vote, work full-time, and join the armed forces without parental consent
• What is the principle of 'Rule of Law'?

  The Rule of Law means that everyone, including the government, is subject to the law and must follow it, ensuring fairness and justice for all.
• What is common law?

  Common law is judge-made law based on court decisions. For example, the 1932 case Donoghue v Stevenson established the principle of duty of care in negligence.
• What role does Parliament play in lawmaking?

  Parliament makes statutory laws (legislation), such as the Criminal Justice Act 2003, which defines criminal offences and penalties.
• What are examples of criminal law?

  Criminal law addresses crimes like murder, theft, and assault, which harm the public or society as a whole.
• What are examples of civil law?

  Civil law resolves disputes between individuals, such as contract disputes, personal injury claims, and divorce settlements.
• What is the role of the Crown Court in criminal law?

  The Crown Court hears serious criminal cases, such as murder, with a jury deciding the verdict.
• What is the role of police in the justice system?

  The police investigate crimes, gather evidence, and arrest suspects, ensuring that crimes are reported and investigated properly.
• What are magistrates' roles in the justice system?

  Magistrates handle minor offences in the Magistrates' Court and make decisions on bail and preliminary hearings for serious cases.
• What role do jurors play?

  Jurors are citizens selected to decide the verdict in criminal trials in the Crown Court, ensuring that justice is served through a trial by peers.
• What is the purpose of tribunals?

  Tribunals, such as employment tribunals, resolve disputes in specific areas like employment rights, housing, and immigration.
• What is the difference between the Magistrates' Court and the Crown Court?

  The Magistrates' Court handles less serious crimes, such as minor assaults, while the Crown Court hears more serious cases, including murder and rape, and involves a jury.
• What is the Youth Court?

  The Youth Court handles offenders aged 10-17. It is less formal than adult courts and focuses on rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.
• What is the role of Youth Offending Teams (YOTs)?

  YOTs work with young offenders to address underlying issues like family problems, school truancy, and substance abuse, aiming to prevent reoffending.
• What are some factors that affect crime rates?

  Factors include socioeconomic issues (e.g., poverty, unemployment), changes in crime reporting, and repeat offending (e.g., the high reoffending rate of 29% within a year of release).
• How did Glasgow reduce knife crime?

  Glasgow reduced knife crime by treating it as a public health issue, focusing on education, intervention, and offering support rather than just criminalising offenders.
• What is the difference between prison sentences and community sentences?

  Prison sentences are for serious crimes, and individuals are incarcerated, whereas community sentences involve offenders completing unpaid work or attending rehabilitation programs while staying in the community.
• How does Norway’s prison system focus on rehabilitation?

  Norway’s system emphasizes rehabilitation, with a lower reoffending rate (20%) due to programs focused on education, vocational training, and psychological support.