AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies key terms

The Independent Press Standards Organisation, a regulator that handles complaints and upholds standards for the press publications it covers.

A judicial office-holder who hears cases, applies the law and manages proceedings. Judges may decide civil disputes and sentence convicted offenders.

The principle that judges should decide cases according to law, independently of political pressure.

A court process examining whether a public body made a decision lawfully, fairly and within its powers, rather than whether its policy was politically desirable.

The judges and other legal officials responsible for applying the law impartially through the courts.

The geographical area or range of legal matters over which a court or legal system has authority.

A citizen selected to sit on a jury, listen to the evidence in a trial and help decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.

Fair treatment through a legal system that enables people to access and exercise their legal rights.

The institutions and processes through which the state interprets and enforces the law, resolves disputes and administers justice.

A final judgement supported by relevant evidence and explained reasoning.

The process of attaching a social label, such as 'criminal', to a person or group, potentially affecting how others treat them.

A legally enforceable requirement recognised by the state and applied within its jurisdiction.

A political outlook generally favouring greater government action to reduce inequality, support public services and protect workers.

Public funding that helps eligible people pay for legal advice or representation.

The principle that laws should be clear and accessible so that people can understand what is lawful and predict how the law will apply.

Something that the law allows a person to do or receive, sometimes subject to conditions such as a minimum age.

A qualified legal professional who usually specialises in a particular area of law, such as wills or property.

A duty imposed by law, such as obeying the law or paying taxes that are legally due.

Using the legal system to seek a remedy for a wrong or protect a right.

A freedom or entitlement recognised and protected by law.

The laws, courts and procedures through which justice is administered in a particular jurisdiction.

Law made by a law-making body. Acts of the UK Parliament are a form of legislation, also called statute law.

Agreement given by a devolved legislature for Westminster to pass legislation concerning devolved matters.

The process through which a proposed law is considered, debated, amended and approved before becoming law.

The lawmaking branch of the state. In the UK, Parliament is the legislature and also scrutinises the executive.

Being legally responsible for the matter at issue, such as harm or loss in a civil claim.

A form of representative democracy that protects individual rights and freedoms and limits government power through laws and institutions.

A political philosophy emphasising individual freedom and the protection of rights.