New
New
How does international law impact the law in the UK?
I can explain the link between international law and law in the UK.
Lesson 10 of 10
New
New
- Year 11
How does international law impact the law in the UK?
I can explain the link between international law and law in the UK.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- International law influences UK law through treaties and agreements.
- The UK must follow international laws it agrees to.
- International law can shape UK court decisions and government actions.
Keywords
Law - rules, usually made by Parliament, that are used to order the way in which a society behaves
Treaty - a formal agreement or contract between countries or groups of people, often about peace, trade or other important matters
Sovereign - a self-governing state; the UK is a sovereign country
Common misconception
International law automatically replaces UK law.
International law does not override UK law automatically. Parliament decides how and when international law is applied in the UK.
Use real-world examples (like Brexit or climate treaties) to help pupils connect abstract law concepts to everyday UK decisions.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to its correct meaning.
Match the word to its correct meaning.
Q2.Laws are official made by the Government to help society run fairly.
Laws are official made by the Government to help society run fairly.
Q3.The UK Parliament makes most of the laws in the country. Who is involved in the UK Parliament?
The UK Parliament makes most of the laws in the country. Who is involved in the UK Parliament?
the Prime Minister, local councils and judges
the police, the courts and the Prime Minister
the police, the House of Lords and the monarch
Q4.Put these steps in order for how a law is made in Parliament.
Put these steps in order for how a law is made in Parliament.
Q5.What is the role of the courts in the UK?
What is the role of the courts in the UK?
to enforce laws in the streets
to make new laws
to run elections
Q6.What is the role of international organisations like the United Nations (UN)?
What is the role of international organisations like the United Nations (UN)?
to control UK courts
to elect MPs
to make all UK laws
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the terms to the correct definition.
Match the terms to the correct definition.
Q2.Which statement best describes the difference between common law and legislative law in the UK?
Which statement best describes the difference between common law and legislative law in the UK?
Common law is made by Parliament, legislative law is made by judges.
Both types of law are made by international courts.
Legislative law is unwritten, common law is written.
Q3.The UK is an example of a state, which means it makes its own laws without being controlled by other countries.
The UK is an example of a state, which means it makes its own laws without being controlled by other countries.
Q4.Put the steps into the correct order to show how international law can influence UK law.
Put the steps into the correct order to show how international law can influence UK law.
Q5.Which of these is an example of international law influencing the UK?
Which of these is an example of international law influencing the UK?
the monarch making a speech
UK Parliament holding a general election
the electorate voting for local councillors
Q6.Why might international law lead to debates about sovereignty?
Why might international law lead to debates about sovereignty?
It always replaces UK law.
It forces the UK to obey every treaty.
It has no impact on the UK at all.
