How does the justice system work elsewhere?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how the role of the justice system varies across the world.
Key learning points
- The role of the justice system is to enforce laws, ensure fairness and protect rights.
- The justice system varies on how a country is governed.
- An independent judiciary helps protect human rights.
- An independent judiciary is crucial for separation of powers.
Keywords
Judiciary - the branch of state that is responsible for enforcing the law; it is composed of judges and other legal officials
Justice - fairness as a result of the application of the law, usually by a judge, in society
Common misconception
All countries have fair and independent justice systems that protect everyone's rights equally.
Not all countries have justice systems that are fair or independent. In some countries, the Government may control the courts, leading to biased decisions and limited protection of human rights.
Teacher tip
Use real life examples so pupils can see how countries justice systems work and the differences between them.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are features of a democracy in the UK?
Q2.Match the democratic feature to its definition.
citizens taking part in democracy by voting or campaigning
everyone, including leaders, must obey the law
power is divided between different branches of government
Q3.How are leaders held accountable in the UK?
Q4.Separation of powers exists to stop one branch of government becoming too and to ensure that power is shared between different institutions like Parliament, the courts and the executive.
Q5.How do human rights protections help citizens express themselves in a democracy?
Q6.Which of the following best describes active citizenship?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to the correct definition.
the branch of the state that interprets the law
fairness through the law
specific rules that have been set and must be followed by all citizens
Q2.What is one main role of the justice system?
Q3.Which of the following is false about justice systems around the world?
Q4.In a country, the judiciary is more likely to be independent from government control.
Q5.Why is an independent judiciary important in a democracy?
Q6.How does an independent judiciary protect human rights?
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: How does the justice system work elsewhere?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: How does the justice system work elsewhere?, 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.
Explore more key stage 4 citizenship lessons from the How do democratic systems work around the world? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.