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      How are rights supported in civil cases?

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how rights are supported both within and outside of the civil courts.

      Key learning points

      1. Civil courts ensure justice by resolving disputes fairly and protecting individual rights.
      2. Civil judges analyse evidence and apply laws to reach fair outcomes based on probability.
      3. Ombudsman services and mediation offer faster, cost-effective dispute resolution.
      4. The Financial Ombudsman helped consumers claim £38B in PPI compensation.
      5. Mediation aids in resolving civil conflicts collaboritively, without legal battles.

      Keywords

      • Civil law - law that deals with disputes between individuals or groups

      • Civil courts - courts that deal with civil disputes

      • Ombudsmen - an independent and impartial person who has been appointed to look into complaints about companies and organisations

      • Mediation - a resolution focused negotiation facilitated by an independent third party

      Common misconception

      That all civil cases must end up in court.

      It is preferable for civil cases to be settled outside of court where possible as this is quicker, cheaper and less stressful for both parties.

      Teacher tip

      When teaching about the role of mediation, contextualise this by discussing how mediation is often used in schools when two pupils argue. If a pastoral teacher sits with both students and attempts to make the situation better, this is a type of mediation.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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.
      Legal specialists employed by solicitors who handle case preparation are what?

      Correct answer: legal executives
      solicitors
      barristers
      judges

      Q2.
      A barrister acts as an (()) in the courtroom.

      Correct Answer: advocate

      Q3.
      Which legal professional must have experience of being a solicitor or a barrister?

      Magistrate
      Justice of the peace
      Police officer
      Correct answer: Crown court judge

      Q4.
      What is the only thing that members of the jury should base their decision of guilty or not guilty on?

      Correct Answer: Evidence, Facts

      Q5.
      What did judges change via common law to better support citizen's rights?

      Correct answer: The rules regarding joint enterprise.
      The rules regarding the age of criminal responsibility.
      The rules regarding solicitor training.
      The rules regarding jury selection.

      Q6.
      Legal representatives support the right of access to what?

      Correct Answer: Justice

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      An independent person who has been appointed to look into complaints about companies and organisations is what?

      Magistrate
      Judge
      Correct answer: Ombudsman
      Duty solicitor

      Q2.
      A resolution focused negotiation facilitated by an independent third party is known as what?

      Correct Answer: Mediation, Conflict resolution

      Q3.
      The majority of civil cases are heard in which type of court?

      Crown court
      Correct answer: County court
      Court of appeal
      High court

      Q4.
      What specialist area of civil law would be likely heard in a tribunal?

      custody of children
      Correct answer: work place disputes
      an appeal of a civil case
      constitutional matters

      Q5.
      What minimum percentage of probability must be reached when judges are making their decision within a civil case?

      45%
      Correct answer: 51%
      70%
      99%

      Q6.
      Which right did the Duchess of Sussex state had been violated when a newspaper printed a personal letter?

      Correct Answer: Privacy, Right to privacy

      To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: How are rights supported in civil cases?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...