Respecting the Law

The Legal System

• The UK has three legal systems: one for England and Wales, one for Scotland, and one for Northern Ireland
• The judiciary is independent of the government
• Two main types of law:
  • Criminal law — offences against the state (e.g. theft, assault)
  • Civil law — disputes between individuals or organisations

The Courts

England and Wales

• Magistrates' Court — handles less serious criminal cases
• Crown Court — handles serious criminal cases with a judge and jury of 12
• County Court — handles civil cases
• High Court — handles complex civil cases

Scotland

• Has its own distinct legal system
• Sheriff Court is equivalent to the County Court
• Uses a jury of 15 in criminal cases
• Has three possible verdicts: guilty, not guilty, and "not proven"

The Police

• Responsible for protecting the public and preventing crime
• The police are independent of the government
• Police officers must demonstrate fairness and impartiality
• In the UK, most police officers do not carry firearms

Your Rights

• The right to a fair trial
• The right to legal representation
• Innocent until proven guilty — a fundamental principle
• You have the right to remain silent when arrested

Key Legal Points

• Domestic violence, including forced marriage, is a crime
• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a serious criminal offence
• It is illegal to carry a weapon in public
• Drugs — it is a criminal offence to possess or supply illegal drugs
• There are strict laws against discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation