Theme C

• What is the presumption of innocence in UK law?

  It means everyone is innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
• What is the principle of equality before the law?

  It means the law treats everyone the same regardless of status.
• What is the right to representation in the legal system?

  It means everyone has the right to be represented in legal matters.
• What does the right to due process entail?

  It ensures that a known process is followed in legal proceedings.
• What is the purpose of law in the UK?

  To rectify injustice, hold power accountable, regulate behavior, and create deterrents.
• How does the law balance rights?

  It ensures the rights of one group are balanced with the rights of another.
• What are some examples of rights that may need to be balanced?

  The right of an employer to make money versus the right of an employee to fair treatment.
• What roles do police have in the UK?

  They investigate crimes, ensure public safety, arrest suspects, and collect evidence.
• What are the roles of legal representatives in the legal system?

  They provide advice, argue cases, assert rights, and carry out routine legal work.
• What is the difference between civil law and criminal law?

  Civil law deals with non-criminal issues between individuals, while criminal law deals with crimes against the state.
• What is the standard of proof required in criminal cases?

  Criminal cases must be proven beyond all reasonable doubt.
• What is the standard of proof required in civil cases?

  Civil cases must be proven on the balance of probabilities.
• How is the court system structured in the UK for civil cases?

  County Court, High Court of Justice, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.
• How is the court system structured in the UK for criminal cases?

  Magistrates Court, Crown Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.
• What is a unique feature of the Scottish legal system in criminal cases?

  Scotland has three verdicts: not guilty, not proven, and guilty.
• What is the age of criminal responsibility in the UK?

  10 years old
• What is the generally accepted age of adulthood in the UK?

  18 years old
• What is the primary aim of the youth justice system?

  To prevent reoffending.
• What must happen if a young person is arrested in the UK?

  The carer or guardian must be informed, and a responsible adult must be present during the interview.
• What does the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child establish?

  It sets out basic human rights specific to children, such as the right to education and freedom from slavery.
• What is the role of international law?

  It governs relations between nation-states and sets rules for war and treatment of refugees.
• What are some rules set by international law regarding war?

  Non-targeting of civilians and treatment of prisoners of war.
• How does international law protect victims of conflict and disaster?

  It sets rules on legitimate asylum and treatment of refugees.
• What are the key pieces of legislation that have shaped rights in the UK?

  • Magna Carta (1215): Established rights such as freedom from government interference and property rights.
  • Human Rights Act (1998): Incorporated fundamental human rights into British law.
  • Equality Act (2010): Made discrimination based on gender, sexuality, religion, or race a crime.
• What are the different types of crime in the UK?

  • Very serious crimes: Terrorism, rape, murder.
  • Serious crimes: Actual bodily harm, hate crimes.
  • Moderate crimes: Serious fraud, domestic abuse.
  • Less serious crimes: Tax evasion, shoplifting.
  • Trivial crimes: Minor fraud, littering.
• What factors affect crime rates in the UK?

  • economic status: Areas with lower income tend to have higher crime rates.
  • Urban status: Inner-city areas often have higher crime rates.
  • Drug and alcohol abuse: Individuals with substance issues are more likely to commit crimes.
  • Police presence: More visible police generally lead to lower crime rate's.
  • Education levels: Higher education levels correlate with lower crime rates.
• What are the different types of sentences in the UK?

  • Prison sentences: Range from maximum security to minimum security.
  • Suspended sentences: Begin only if the individual reoffends.
  • Community service: Unpaid work hours for the community.
  • Custodial sentences: Remand to an institution.
  • Fines: Payments to cover costs and damages.
  • Tags: Monitoring of individuals' actions.
• What must judges consider when weighing an appropriate sentence?

  • Legislation: Minimum and maximum sentence boundaries.
  • Public safety: Keeping the public safe.
  • Rehabilitation: Likelihood of rehabilitating the individual.
  • Proportionality: Sentence proportionate to the crime.
  • Deterrence: Will the sentence deter others from committing similar crimes?
• What are the roles of trade unions in the UK?

  • Represent workers in specific sectors.
  • Campaign for higher wages and better conditions.
  • Provide representation during disciplinary procedures.
  • Offer advice to employees facing discrimination or maltreatment.
• What are the differences in the Scottish legal system compared to the rest of the UK?

  • Three verdicts: Not guilty, not proven, guilty.
  • Jury size: 15 members instead of 12.
  • No automatic right to trial by jury; based on evidence strength.
• What is the youth justice system's approach to young offenders?

  • Deals with individuals aged 10 to 17.
  • Aims to prevent reoffending.
  • Guardian must be informed if a young person is arrested.
  • Responsible adult must be present during interviews.