Should protesters ever break the law?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the contexts in which a protest might break a law and discuss whether breaking the law during protests is ever justified.
Key learning points
- Everyone has the right to protest. This right is protected by law. However, restrictions can be placed on this right.
- Organisations might use a range of different protest tactics to achieve their aims, some tactics break the law.
- While protests are protected under law, they must find a balance with public safety and order regulations.
Keywords
Law - rules, usually made by Parliament, that are used to order the way in which a society behaves
Protest - a public demonstration or action expressing disapproval or objection to a policy, decision, or situation, often aimed at raising awareness or demanding change
Disorder - disruptive or violent behaviour
Common misconception
Breaking the law during a protest is always justified if the cause is important.
Breaking the law during a protest can have legal consequences and can undermine public support. In a democracy, lawful methods are typically seen as more effective and legitimate forms of protest.
Teacher tip
Focus on guiding pupils to critically analyse the ethical dilemmas around breaking the law during protests. Encourage them to engage with both sides of the argument, using real-world examples to explore ethics, justice and consequences thoughtfully.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to its definition.
Q2.If a person has their rights denied, they have the right to have this heard in what type of place?
Q3.Which of the following are a protected characteristic under the Equality Act (2010)?
Q4.What type of protest involves a person refusing to buy a certain product or service until they change?
Q5.In the UK, which house in Parliament creates laws?
Q6.Which of the following best describes a changemaker?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the terms to the correct definitions.
Q2.Which group wants to end fossil fuel extraction by 2030 and uses disruptive means of protest?
Q3.Which group campaigned for women's right to vote using more disruptive methods?
Q4.Which two of these are tactics used by Just Stop Oil?
Q5.Which two of these are tactics used by the Suffragettes?
Q6.Which of the following statements are correct?
To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: Should protesters ever break the law?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: Should protesters ever break the law?, 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 Why do we need the right to protest in a democracy? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.