the principle that all individuals within a state, including government and leaders, are subject to the same laws and must follow them

impartial treatment; lack of favouritism to one side or the other

the right of everyone to receive the same treatment

being responsible for one's actions and decisions, and being required to explain or justify them to others, including those in positions of power or authority

What is the rule of law, and how does it support a fair society?

Citizenship

Who decides what is fair under the law?

This unit explores how the rule of law operates in society. Pupils examine equality before the law, judicial independence, legal certainty and access to justice, and how these support fairness and trust.

Rule of law (Key Stage Three)

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

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

When laws treat people the same, it shows {{}}.

a famous person avoids punishment for their crime

an employer and employee are treated equally under the law in court

a rule is only enforced for some people but not others

Which example best shows fairness in the law?

being responsible for one's actions and decisions

all individuals are subject to the same laws and must follow them

The rule of law means that no-one is {{}} the law.

Order these words to make a law that was passed in 2012 in the UK.

Fill in the blank: {{}} are rules, usually made by parliament, that are used to order the way in which a society behaves.

If laws are not applied fairly, what can happen?

ensures rules are followed by those who understand them

Match each example to the reason why a rule exists.

People who live together in an ordered community are members of {{}}.

What is this referring to? The group of people with the authority to govern a country. In the UK, it is led by the Prime Minister (PM).

Order the following words to complete a sentence.

What is the rule of law, and how does it support a fair society?

Lesson outcome

Content guidance