What threatens the rule of law today?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse the threats to the rule of law in the UK today.
Key learning points
- Abuse of power undermines everyone following the law.
- Laws applied unequally reduce fairness and trust in the system.
- Weak judicial independence threatens impartial decision-making.
- Barriers to justice prevent people from challenging unfairness.
Keywords
Rule of law - the principle that all individuals within a state, including government and leaders, are subject to the same laws and must follow them
Threat - a person or thing likely to cause damage or danger
Independence - 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
Common misconception
The rule of law always works perfectly.
There are real threats today, including abuse of power, inequality, weak courts, and barriers to justice.
Teacher tip
Emphasise the link between the rule of law and judicial independence. Use the Stephen Lawrence case and Miller v Prime Minister to show how we can challenge unfairness and why impartial judges are vital.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the rule of law mean?
Q2.Which of the following is a threat to the rule of law?
Q3.Why is it a problem if those in power ignore the law?
Q4.Which of these people are part of the judiciary?
Q5.Match the term to its definition.
Judges and magistrates make decisions free from outside influence.
The system treating people unfairly because of race or ethnicity.
Police power to check someone for illegal items.
Q6.Fill in the blank: A key purpose of the rule of law is to protect people from actions by those in power.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the term to the definition.
the idea that all individuals are subject to the same laws
a person or thing likely to cause damage or danger
being free from influence from others
Q2.Which act requires the police and other public bodies to eliminate discrimination?
Q3.What was the name of the young person murdered in 1993?
Q4.How did Gina Miller challenge injustice?
Q5.Which of the following are examples of threats to the rule of law?
Q6.In the UK, the judiciary is ...
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: What threatens the rule of law today?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: What threatens the rule of law today?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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