The UK has a well-established legal system that protects people's rights and holds everyone accountable under the law. Understanding the basics - from criminal and civil law to courts and jury service - is important for the test and for everyday life.
Key facts
- Criminal law deals with crimes against society (e.g., theft, assault). Cases are brought by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in England and Wales.
- Civil law deals with disputes between individuals or organisations (e.g., contracts, property, family matters).
- In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, minor criminal cases are heard in Magistrates' Courts; serious cases go to the Crown Court.
- In Scotland, the legal system is different: minor cases go to the Justice of the Peace Court or Sheriff Court; serious cases go to the High Court of Justiciary.
- Anyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
- Jury service is a civic duty. Jurors in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland must be aged 18–75 and on the electoral register.
- A jury in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland has 12 members; in Scotland, it has 15.
- Legal aid may be available to help people who cannot afford legal representation.
In depth
The UK legal system is based on the principle that everyone is equal before the law and that anyone accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty. There are two main branches of law: criminal law, which deals with offences against society (like theft, assault, or murder), and civil law, which handles disputes between individuals or organisations (like contract disagreements or family matters). In England and Wales, criminal cases are prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). In Scotland, this role falls to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
The court system has different levels. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, minor criminal cases are heard in Magistrates' Courts, while more serious cases go to the Crown Court with a judge and jury. In Scotland, the structure is different, with Sheriff Courts handling most cases and the High Court of Justiciary dealing with the most serious crimes. Jury service is a civic duty - if called, you are generally required to serve. Juries in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland consist of 12 people; in Scotland, there are 15 jurors. Everyone aged 18 to 75 who is on the electoral register can be called for jury duty.
Know the basics of the law: the police keep order and must obey the law themselves, serious criminal cases are heard before a jury, and smaller cases go before magistrates. Everyone is equal before the law. The test may ask about the courts, the role of judges, or legal rights such as the right to a fair trial.