Citizenship Studies key terms

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 duty or obligation imposed by law.

A freedom or protection that a person is entitled to under the 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.

A body that debates and makes laws, such as the Scottish Parliament.

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.

An organised attempt to influence someone with decision-making power, for example by presenting evidence and requesting a particular change.

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

A system of government in which councils make local decisions and provide services for their communities.

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

A judicial office-holder who deals mainly with less serious criminal cases in a Magistrates’ Court. Lay magistrates are trained volunteers supported by legal advisers.