Year 11 - Citizenship
How does the justice system work in the UK?
Practising what we have learnt
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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 revisit a number of the key concepts covered in earlier units in preparation for their GCSE papers.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain what justice means and how justice is carried out in the UK.
Key Notes
- The UK justice system is based on the rule of law, which ensures fairness and equality for all.
- Justice includes access to legal advice, fair trials and support for both the victims and the accused.
- Sentences like prison, community orders and fines are used depending on the severity of the crime.
- These sentences aim to protect the public, rehabilitate offenders and deter future crime.
- Legal professionals help make sure the correct processes are followed and that everyone's rights are respected.
Vocabulary To Learn
- justice: fairness as a result of the application of the law, usually by a judge, in society
- rule of law: the principle that all individuals within a state, including government and leaders, are subject to the same laws and must follow them; it ensures fairness, justice and accountability in society
- sentencing: the process of giving a punishment to a person found guilty in a court case
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Justice is only about punishing criminals.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
The UK justice system is based on the rule of law, which ensures fairness and equality for all. Justice includes access to legal advice, fair trials and support for both the victims and the accused.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'justice'
fairness as a result of the application of the law, usually by a judge, in society.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Justice is only about punishing criminals. Correction: Justice is about punishing criminals but it is also about fairness, access to legal help and protecting the rights of all people, including victims and the accused.
More Lessons In This Unit
- How are my rights protected? Study Guide
- How does the UK Constitution affect the way the country is governed? Study Guide
- What does it mean to live in a democracy? Study Guide
- What has shaped the identity of the UK? Study Guide
- What is the UK's relationship with international organisations? Study Guide
- Where does power and influence lie? Study Guide
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