the right of everyone to receive the same treatment

a person who belongs to a country and has certain rights because they either live in the country, or were born in the country; it is a legal status given to people

the branch of the state that is responsible for enforcing the law; it is composed of judges and other legal officials

a public demonstration or action expressing disapproval or objection to a policy, decision, or situation, often aimed at raising awareness or demanding change

Why should we care about the rule of law?

Citizenship

What threatens the rule of law today?

This unit analyses how the rule of law operates in contemporary Britain. Pupils evaluate threats to fairness, including inequality, abuse of power and barriers to justice, and examine the role of citizens in upholding the law.

Why is the rule of law important?

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Honour based violence, terrorism, extremism and radicalisation.

If the Government decides to cut funding for Legal Aid, which principle is most directly threatened? {{}} before the law.

True or false: In a democracy, the "rule of law" means that the Government has the right to change any law without a vote in Parliament.

to respect the learning and safety of others

to avoid using speech to incite hatred or violence

Match the right to the corresponding responsibility.

by helping to change unfair laws through lawful action

by ensuring all power resides with citizens only

How can protests support the rule of law?

a person who belongs to a country and has certain rights

the branch of the State that is responsible for enforcing the law

a public demonstration or action expressing disapproval or objection

Match each word to the correct definition.

Which of these is a "legal duty" for a UK citizen?

to keep the details of the trial a secret from your family

to decide your own punishment if found guilty

to serve on a jury if you are randomly selected

If you have the "right to a fair trial," what is your corresponding responsibility?

True or false? In the UK, the Prime Minister is allowed to ignore the law if they believe it is a national emergency.

refusing to pay your taxes until the law is changed

starting a petition or writing to your local MP

damaging a public building to get the Government's attention

Which of these is a "lawful" way to try and change a law you think is unfair?

Complete the sentence by putting the words in the right order. 
Courts and judges protect ____1_____ by ensuring they are _____2____ from the Government and only follow the laws made by ____3_____.

citizens must protest and refuse to follow any laws

the Government is pressured to change or improve the law

the law is ignored by everyone immediately

If a law is found to be "unfair" or "discriminatory" by a high court, what is the most likely outcome?

Why should we care about the rule of law?

Lesson outcome

Content guidance