The law, the police and the courts
Criminal law relates to crimes, which are usually investigated by the police and punished by the courts. Examples: carrying a weapon, selling tobacco or alcohol to anyone under 18, and racially motivated crimes. Civil law is used to settle disputes between individuals or groups, for example about housing, employment, consumer rights and debt.
The police protect life and property, prevent disturbances (keep the peace), and prevent and detect crime. Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are elected in England and Wales to set local police priorities. Police community support officers (PCSOs) support police officers. If something goes wrong, you can complain about the police.
In an emergency, call 999 or 112. For non-emergencies, call 101.
The judiciary (judges) is independent of the government. Judges make sure laws are applied fairly.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, most minor criminal cases are dealt with in a Magistrates’ Court. In Scotland, minor criminal offences go to a Justice of the Peace Court. Magistrates and Justices of the Peace are usually unpaid volunteers and do not need legal qualifications.
Serious offences are tried in front of a judge and a jury in a Crown Court (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or a Sheriff Court or High Court in Scotland. A jury decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland a jury has 12 members; in Scotland it has 15.
Young people aged 10 to 17 accused of a crime are tried in a Youth Court. Scotland uses a system called the Children’s Hearings System.
Civil disputes are dealt with in the County Court (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or the Sheriff Court (Scotland). The small claims procedure is an informal way to settle minor disputes without a lawyer.
In England and Wales the upper age for jury service is now 75 (raised from 70). The Independent Police Complaints Commission was replaced by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in 2018.
Key facts
- Criminal law = crimes; civil law = disputes between people or organisations.
- Emergency: 999 or 112. Non-emergency police: 101.
- Magistrates’ Court — minor criminal cases (England, Wales, NI). Justice of the Peace Court — Scotland.
- Crown Court — serious cases with judge and jury.
- Jury: 12 people in England, Wales and NI; 15 in Scotland.
- Youth Court — ages 10–17. Scotland: Children’s Hearings System.
- The judiciary is independent of the government.
Memory tips
- Jury sizes: “12 south, 15 north.”
- Civil = Conflicts between Citizens; Criminal = Crimes against society.
Practice questions
1. Which number should you call in an emergency?
- 101
- 999 or 112
- 111
- 100
Show answer
In an emergency call 999 or 112.
2. Which of these is an example of civil law?
- Carrying a weapon
- A dispute with a landlord about a deposit
- Selling alcohol to a 15-year-old
- Burglary
Show answer
Housing disputes are civil matters. The other examples are criminal offences.
3. Which TWO are examples of criminal law?
- Selling tobacco to someone under 18
- A disagreement about wages with an employer
- Carrying a weapon in public
- Returning faulty goods to a shop
Show answer
Selling tobacco to under-18s and carrying a weapon are crimes. Employment and consumer disputes are civil matters.
4. What are the duties of the police?
- To make laws
- To protect life and property, keep the peace, and prevent and detect crime
- To decide punishments
- To collect taxes
Show answer
The police protect life and property, prevent disturbances, and prevent and detect crime.
5. In which court are most minor criminal cases heard in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?
- Crown Court
- Magistrates’ Court
- County Court
- Supreme Court
Show answer
Most minor criminal cases are dealt with in a Magistrates’ Court.
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