← Citizenship Studies syllabus

EnglandCitizenship Studies

Law and justice

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

What is the difference between criminal law and civil law?

The purposes of criminal law, used to protect the public from harm such as crimes against a person or property, and the purposes of civil law, to settle disputes such as debt, personal injury and family matters.
A focused answer for Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies on the purposes of criminal law, used to protect the public from harm, and the purposes of civil law, used to settle disputes such as debt, personal injury and family matters.
9 min answer →

Which courts deal with which cases, and how else can disputes be settled?

The types of criminal courts (magistrates court and crown court) and the cases they handle, the types of civil courts (county court and high court), and the use of tribunals and other means of civil dispute resolution such as mediation.
A focused answer for Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies on the criminal courts (magistrates and crown courts), the civil courts (county and high courts), and the use of tribunals and other means of dispute resolution such as mediation.
9 min answer →

What affects crime rates and what are sentences and punishments for?

Factors affecting crime rates including the recording of crime and reoffending, strategies to reduce crime through prevention, protection and punishment, and the types and purposes of sentences such as prison, community payback and restorative justice.
A focused answer for Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies on factors affecting crime rates and reoffending, strategies to reduce crime, and the types and purposes of sentences such as prison, community payback and restorative justice.
10 min answer →

What principles underpin the law and where does the law come from?

The fundamental principles of law including the rule of law, the presumption of innocence, equality before the law and access to justice, the different legal systems in the UK, and the main sources of law: common law and legislation.
A focused answer for Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies on the fundamental principles of law (the rule of law, the presumption of innocence, equality before the law and access to justice), the different UK legal systems, and the main sources of law: common law and legislation.
9 min answer →

Who works in the justice system and what rights do citizens have on arrest?

The roles and powers of the police, judges, magistrates and legal representatives, the roles of citizens such as jurors, magistrates and special constables, and the rights of citizens on arrest.
A focused answer for Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies on the roles and powers of the police, judges, magistrates and legal representatives, the roles of citizens such as jurors and magistrates, and the rights of citizens on arrest.
10 min answer →

What is the law for and how does it affect our everyday lives?

What law is and how it affects everyday life, why we need laws in society, and the ages at which we become legally responsible, including the age of criminal responsibility and why legal age limits exist.
A focused answer for Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies on what law is and how it affects everyday life, why we need laws in society, and the legal ages of responsibility, including the age of criminal responsibility.
9 min answer →

How does the youth justice system work and why is it different?

The operation of the youth justice system and how and why youth courts differ from other courts.
A focused answer for Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies on the operation of the youth justice system and how and why youth courts differ from adult courts, including their focus on the welfare of the young person.
8 min answer →