What is a crime?
I can identify how I know what is right and wrong, explain what a crime is and describe the difference between criminal and civil law.
What is a crime?
I can identify how I know what is right and wrong, explain what a crime is and describe the difference between criminal and civil law.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Our views of what is right and wrong come from a range of influences in our lives and can evolve as we get older.
- When someone breaks the law, this is known as a crime. We become criminally responsible at the age of ten in England.
- There are two main types of law in England: civil and criminal.
Keywords
Law - rules, usually made by Parliament, that are used to order the way in which a society behaves
Crime - an illegal act that is punishable by law
Civil law - a type of law that deals with disputes between individuals or groups
Criminal law - a type of law that deals with individuals who break the law and seeks to punish them for offences; these offences occur when someone breaks laws that Parliament has established for everyone to follow
Common misconception
Crimes can only be committed by adults.
Anyone can commit a crime. In England, once you reach the age of ten, you can be held criminally responsible for your actions. This means that if a person aged ten or older breaks the law, they can face legal consequences.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
taking someone else’s property without permission
damaging or destroying property on purpose
deceiving others for personal gain, such as lying on forms or stealing
Exit quiz
6 Questions
deals with individuals who break the law set by Parliament
deals with disputes between individuals or groups