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EnglandCitizenship Studies

Rights, the law and the legal system

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 and civil law?

The distinction between criminal and civil law, who brings each type of case, the courts and standard of proof involved, the outcomes such as punishment or compensation, and how a single event can lead to both.
A focused answer for OCR GCSE Citizenship Studies on the difference between criminal and civil law, who brings each type of case, the courts and standards of proof involved, the outcomes including punishment and compensation, and how one event can give rise to both.
11 min answer →

How are human rights protected in the UK and beyond?

The meaning of human rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998, how rights are protected and enforced in the UK, and how citizens and groups campaign to defend rights.
A focused answer for OCR GCSE Citizenship Studies on human rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998, how human rights are protected and enforced in the UK, and the role of citizens and pressure groups in defending them.
13 min answer →

What are rights and responsibilities, and why do they matter in a diverse society?

The meaning of rights and responsibilities, the difference between legal, human and moral rights, how rights can conflict and need balancing, and how rights and responsibilities are linked in a diverse society.
A focused answer for OCR GCSE Citizenship Studies on what rights and responsibilities are, the difference between legal, human and moral rights, how rights can conflict and need balancing through law, and why rights and responsibilities are linked in a diverse society.
12 min answer →

Where does the law come from, and what principles underpin it?

The sources of law in England and Wales (legislation, common law and precedent), how law is made and changed, and key legal principles such as the rule of law, equality before the law, the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial.
A focused answer for OCR GCSE Citizenship Studies on the sources of law in England and Wales (legislation, common law and precedent), how laws are made and changed, and the key principles that underpin the legal system, including the rule of law, equality before the law, the presumption of innocence and a fair trial.
13 min answer →

How does the justice system work in England and Wales?

The structure of the courts in England and Wales, the roles of the police, judges, magistrates, juries and lawyers, how criminal and civil cases progress, and the aims of sentencing and punishment.
A focused answer for OCR GCSE Citizenship Studies on the justice system in England and Wales: the structure of the courts, the roles of the police, judges, magistrates, juries and lawyers, how criminal and civil cases progress, and the aims of sentencing.
13 min answer →

How can people resolve disputes and get access to justice?

Tribunals and other forms of dispute resolution such as mediation and arbitration, legal aid and access to justice, the role of advice services, and the barriers that can stop people getting justice.
A focused answer for OCR GCSE Citizenship Studies on tribunals and alternative dispute resolution (mediation and arbitration), legal aid and access to justice, the role of advice services such as Citizens Advice, and the barriers that can prevent people getting justice.
12 min answer →

How does the law deal with young people who commit crime?

The age of criminal responsibility, how the youth justice system differs from the adult system, youth courts and youth offending teams, the range of sentences for young people, and the emphasis on prevention and rehabilitation.
A focused answer for OCR GCSE Citizenship Studies on the youth justice system: the age of criminal responsibility, how youth courts and youth offending teams differ from the adult system, the sentences available for young people, and the focus on preventing offending and rehabilitation.
11 min answer →