Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies key terms

Rules governing relations and obligations between states and other international actors, including rules agreed through treaties and established through accepted state practice.

A body through which countries work together towards shared goals, such as peace, defence, trade or development.

Reporting that investigates an issue in depth to uncover evidence, explain problems or expose wrongdoing.

The Independent Press Standards Organisation: a press regulator that oversees compliance with the Editors' Code of Practice by its member newspapers, magazines and associated online publications.

A legally qualified person who manages court proceedings, applies the law and makes judicial decisions, including sentencing convicted defendants.

The freedom of judges to decide cases according to the law and evidence without improper interference, including from government ministers.

A court proceeding in which a judge reviews the lawfulness of a public body's decision or action, rather than simply deciding whether its outcome was desirable.

The judges and courts responsible for interpreting and applying the law.

A member of the public selected to hear trial evidence and help decide whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty.

A system of legally enforceable rules that sets out rights, responsibilities and standards of behaviour in society.

A qualified legal professional who specialises in a particular area of legal work, such as wills and administering estates.

A duty or obligation imposed by law.

An entitlement or freedom protected by law.

Law made by a law-making body, particularly Parliament; Acts of Parliament are also called statute law.

An elected body with the authority to debate and pass laws, such as the Scottish Parliament.

A political tradition that emphasises individual freedom and the protection of rights.

Trying to persuade someone with decision-making power to support a particular change.

An organisation responsible for local government in an area, representing the community and providing public services.

A sense of belonging to a particular neighbourhood, town or city.

A trained community volunteer who hears cases and makes legal decisions, supported by a legal adviser; also called a Justice of the Peace.

A court that deals with less serious criminal offences and holds initial hearings for more serious offences. Cases are heard by magistrates or a district judge, without a jury.

A charter issued in 1215 that limited royal power and helped establish the principle that justice should follow the law rather than a ruler's wishes.

Channels used to communicate information to large audiences, including television, radio, newspapers and the internet.

An attempt by a third party to help those involved in a disagreement negotiate an agreement.

An elected member of the House of Commons who represents a constituency.

The movement of people from one place to another to live, either within a country or across national borders.

A politician appointed to a government role who makes policy decisions and is responsible for the work of their department or portfolio.