law that deals with disputes between individuals or groups; there are civil courts which award damages (a money payment)

law that deals with individuals who break the law and seeks to punish an offence, because the offender has broken laws that Parliament has stated that we must all obey

rules, usually made by Parliament, that are used to order the way in which a society behaves

an act or behaviour that violates a law and is punishable by the legal system

a formal legal institution where disputes are heard and resolved, and where justice is administered according to the law

What is the difference between criminal and civil law?

Citizenship

Pupils learn how laws are made and enforced and about the purpose and types of punishment. 

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the legal system?

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

deals with disputes between individuals or groups

defines and regulates offences against society or the state

Match the definitions to the correct words.

What is the term used for someone who is being tried in either civil or criminal courts?

Complete this sentence. {{}} law cases are heard in a magistrates court.

What type of cases does the high court deal with?

Which court is the highest court in the UK?

Which layer of the justice system is missing from this list? Courts, police and ...

a proposed rule under consideration by Parliament

rules that are used to order the way in which a society behaves

a formal legal institution where disputes are heard and resolved

Who does the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) represent?

to decide if a person accused of a crime is innocent or guilty

to protect the public, arrest lawbreakers and collect evidence

write reports for the court and supervise offenders back into society

Match the different law enforcers with their roles.

What two roles does Parliament have in making laws?

The police play a key role in enforcing the law; others are involved too.

The police are the only ones responsible for enforcing the law.

Only the courts play a role in enforcing the law, not the police.

Enforcing the law is solely the responsibility of local authorities.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

What is the difference between criminal and civil law?

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.