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Course Content
Disclaimer
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Disclaimer
Disclaimer Agreement
Introduction
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About
The Values and Principles of the UK
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Introduction
Becoming a Permanent Resident
Taking the Life in the UK Test
What is the UK?
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What is the UK?
A Long and Illustrious History
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Early Britain
The Middle Ages
The Tudors and Stuarts
A Global Power
The 20th Century
Britain Since 1945
A Modern, Thriving Society
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The UK Today
Religion
Customs and Traditions
Sport
Arts and Culture
Leisure
Places of Interest
The UK Government, the Law and your Role
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The Development of British Democracy
The British Constitution
The Government
The UK and International Institutions
Respecting the Law
The Role of the Courts
Fundamental Principles
Taxation
Driving
Your Role in the Community
How you can Support your Community
Looking After the Environment
Life in the UK
About Lesson

The Judiciary

Judges, collectively known as the judiciary, play a vital role in upholding the rule of law in the UK. They are independent of government influence and ensure fair trials, interpret laws, and hold public bodies accountable.

Criminal Courts

The UK has a tiered court system to handle criminal cases:

  • Magistrates’ Courts (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) / Justice of the Peace Courts (Scotland): Handle minor offenses, with magistrates or Justices of the Peace (JPs) presiding. Magistrates are typically unpaid community members, while JPs in Northern Ireland are legally qualified and paid.
  • Crown Courts (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) / Sheriff Courts and High Court (Scotland): Address serious offenses, with trials conducted before a judge and a jury. Juries are composed of randomly selected citizens who determine guilt or innocence.

Youth Courts and Children’s Hearings

Special courts and procedures exist for young offenders:

  • Youth Courts (England, Wales, Northern Ireland): Handle cases involving individuals aged 10 to 17.
  • Children’s Hearings System (Scotland) / Youth Conferencing (Northern Ireland): Offer alternative approaches to address youth offending.

Civil Courts

Civil courts resolve disputes between individuals or organizations:

  • County Courts (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) / Sheriff Court (Scotland): Handle a wide range of civil matters, including debt recovery, personal injury claims, and family disputes.
  • High Court (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) / Court of Session (Scotland): Address more complex or high-value civil cases.

Small Claims Procedure

A simplified process exists for resolving minor civil disputes involving smaller sums of money. This informal procedure allows individuals to present their cases without the need for lawyers, saving time and costs.

Legal Advice

  • Solicitors: Qualified lawyers who provide legal advice, represent clients in court, and assist with various legal matters. It’s essential to choose a solicitor with expertise in the relevant area of law. The Citizens Advice Bureau and law societies can provide referrals and information about solicitors.
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