← Citizenship Studies syllabus

EnglandCitizenship Studies

Rights and responsibilities

7 dot points across 7 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What roles do ordinary citizens play in running the justice system?

The roles citizens play within the legal system, including juror, magistrate, witness, special constable and Police and Crime Commissioner, and why citizen participation is vital to justice.
A focused answer for AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies on the roles citizens play within the legal system, including juror, magistrate, witness, special constable and Police and Crime Commissioner, and why citizen participation is vital to justice.
9 min answer →

What is the difference between criminal and civil law?

The distinction between criminal and civil law, the people and courts involved in each, the standard of proof, and the outcomes such as punishment or compensation.
A focused answer for AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies on the difference between criminal and civil law, the parties and courts involved in each, the standard of proof required, and the outcomes including punishment and compensation.
9 min answer →

How are human rights protected in the UK and beyond?

The development and protection of human rights, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998, and how rights are balanced and enforced.
A focused answer for AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies on the development and protection of human rights, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998, and how rights are enforced and balanced.
9 min answer →

What powers do the police have and what rights do citizens have when dealing with them?

The roles and powers of the police, including stop and search, arrest, detention and charging, the role of the Crown Prosecution Service, and the rights citizens have when dealing with the police.
A focused answer for AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies on the roles and powers of the police, including stop and search, arrest, detention and charging, the role of the Crown Prosecution Service, and the rights citizens have when dealing with the police.
9 min answer →

What rights protect people at work and when they buy goods?

The rights and responsibilities of citizens as employees and employers and as consumers, including key employment and consumer protections and the role of trade unions.
A focused answer for AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies on the rights and responsibilities of citizens at work and as consumers, including employment protections, the role of trade unions and key consumer rights when buying goods and services.
9 min answer →

How does the justice system work and how are courts organised?

The structure of the courts, the role of the judiciary, juries, legal aid and the aims of sentencing, and how the justice system treats young people differently.
A focused answer for AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies on the structure of the courts, the role of judges and juries, legal aid and access to justice, the aims of sentencing, and how young people are dealt with by the youth justice system.
9 min answer →

How does the legal system make and uphold the law?

The nature and purpose of law in society, the sources of law including statute and common law, and the difference between rights and responsibilities for citizens.
A focused answer for AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies on the nature and purpose of law, the main sources of law including statute and common law, and the relationship between citizens' rights and responsibilities.
9 min answer →