Criminal and Civil Law in the UK Study Guide

Section 5.5

Respecting the law

Criminal law deals with conduct treated as an offence against society, such as violence, theft and serious fraud. Civil law usually deals with disputes between people or organisations, including contracts, property and some family matters.

The police investigate crime and protect the public, but courts determine guilt and impose sentences. Everyone is entitled to lawful and fair treatment, including a person accused of an offence.

Domestic abuse, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and discrimination are serious matters addressed by law. A cultural or family expectation does not excuse unlawful harm.

Targeted practice

Questions about Respecting the law

These questions prioritise terms covered on this page. Open an answer to review the explanation before moving to the full Chapter 5 practice set.

1. Sample question 1

   Which court deals with cases involving personal injury, family matters, breaches of contract and divorce in England and Wales?

   • The Crown Court
   • The High Court
   • County Courts
   • The Sheriff Court
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: County Courts

   County Courts deal with a wide range of civil disputes. These include people trying to get back money that is owed to them, cases involving personal injury, family matters, breaches of contract, and divorce. In Scotland, most of these matters are dealt with in the Sheriff Court.

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2. Sample question 2

   Which of the following statements is false regarding Youth Courts?

   • The parents or carers of the young person being judged are expected to attend the hearing
   • Members of the public are not allowed in them
   • They are used for trials of young people aged 10 to 18
   • The name or photographs of the accused young person cannot be published in newspapers or used by the media
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: They are used for trials of young people aged 10 to 18

   They are used for trials of young people aged 10 to 17.

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3. Sample question 3

   Which three of the following are known to be main parts of the British government?

   • The cabinet
   • The judiciary
   • The local organizations
   • The police
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: The cabinet, The judiciary and The police

   The UK’s main constitutional institutions include the monarchy, Parliament (the House of Commons and the House of Lords), the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, the judiciary, the police, the civil service and local government.

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4. Sample question 4

   Which of the following statements is true?

   • The police force is a public service that helps and protects everyone
   • The police force is a private service that helps and protects everyone
   • The police force is a private service in charge of rescuing people from dangerous situations
   • The police force is a public service that works to avoid road accidents
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: The police force is a public service that helps and protects everyone

   The police force is a public service that helps and protects everyone, no matter what their background or where they live.

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5. Sample question 5

   Who is responsible for interpreting the law and ensuring that trials are conducted fairly?

   • The government
   • The police officers
   • The judiciary
   • The Prime Minister and the MPs
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: The judiciary

   Judges (who are together called ‘the judiciary’) are responsible for interpreting the law and ensuring that trials are conducted fairly.

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More Chapter 5 questions