relating to the branch of the state (the judiciary) responsible for interpreting and applying the law

judges are free to make decisions based only on the law and the evidence, without being influenced or pressured by the government or other powerful groups

fairness as a result of the application of a law, usually by a judge, in society

laws are clear, consistent, and predictable so people understand their rights and know how the law will be applied

Who decides what is fair under the law?

Citizenship

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

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)

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

References to gangs, knife crime, Child criminal exploitation, county lines.

Laws help people understand their {{}} and duties.

A judge should make decisions based on {{}}, not personal opinions.

ignore it and hope it doesn't happen again

access legal help or challenge it in court

If someone feels a law has been applied unfairly, what can they do?

the branch of the State responsible for interpreting the law

judges are free to make decisions without influence or pressure

fairness as a result of the application of a law, usually by a judge

laws are clear, consistent, and predictable

Which statement best challenges the idea that 'the law only matters for some people'?

The principle that all individuals within a state are subject to the same laws is called the {{}} of law.

a pupil admits they started it and apologises to the teacher

a pupil says they know who started the disruption

a pupil says it was them but it clearly was not them

a pupil says they do not know anything about it

Which pupil's response is the best example of accountability? A pupil misbehaves in a lesson, but the teacher does not know who it was that started the disruption.

A fair and equal law helps build {{}} in society.

What Act was passed in 2010 which made it unlawful to discriminate against people based on protected characteristics, such as race or sex?

anyone who speeds will receive a ticket, including a traffic officer

a company is fined for overcharging customers

a judge is not influenced by external people or groups

Who decides what is fair under the law?

Lesson outcome

Content guidance