Year 10 - Citizenship
Why is Magna Carta still relevant in today's society?
How can we play a part in the legal system?
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Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
Pupils consider a range of roles within the legal system, explore what rights citizens have within the justice system and what influence they can have on the law.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain what Magna Carta is and why it is still significant today.
Key Notes
- Magna Carta, sealed in 1215, limited the King's power and established key legal principles.
- It stated that the monarch is not above the law and protected free men's right to a fair trial.
- It introduced the principle that free men could not be punished without due legal process.
- Justice must be accessible, not denied or delayed, as outlined in Magna Carta.
- Magna Carta's core principles evolved over time to influence modern legal systems where rulers follow the law.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Magna Carta: a document created in 1215 that limited the King's power and introduced legal rights
- baron: a rich landowner or noble who had a lot of power in medieval times
- constitutional monarchy: the monarch's power is limited by laws, and decisions are made by a government and Parliament
- absolute monarchy: the monarch has total control and does not have to follow any laws
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- That royalty do not have to follow the same laws as citizens or would not be subjected to the legal system in the same way.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Magna Carta, sealed in 1215, limited the King's power and established key legal principles. It stated that the monarch is not above the law and protected free men's right to a fair trial.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'Magna Carta'
a document created in 1215 that limited the King's power and introduced legal rights.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: That royalty do not have to follow the same laws as citizens or would not be subjected to the legal system in the same way. Correction: Rule of law states all citizens must obey the law, this includes the Royal Family.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Deliberate discussion - Should all citizens take part in the legal system? Study Guide
- How do citizens influence the law? Study Guide
- How do citizens play a role in policing? Study Guide
- How have trade unions played a part in the legal system? Study Guide
- What key roles do citizens play within the criminal justice system? Study Guide
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