Citizenship Studies key terms

The UK’s highest appeal court, hearing important civil appeals from all three legal systems and criminal appeals from England and Wales and Northern Ireland, with a more limited role in Scottish criminal matters.

A constitution whose rules are found in several sources rather than collected in one authoritative constitutional document.

Dismissal that fails to meet legal requirements for a fair reason or fair procedure; entitlement to claim depends on employment status and qualifying rules.

Action taken by one country without acting jointly with other countries.

Support for keeping the United Kingdom together. In Northern Ireland, unionists support Northern Ireland remaining part of the UK.

In Northern Ireland, a person who supports Northern Ireland remaining part of the United Kingdom.

A council that combines county-level and district-level responsibilities in one organisation.

The state whose full name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, comprising England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

An international agreement setting out children's rights, including protection, education, health and participation in decisions affecting them.

Applying to everyone, everywhere, without discrimination.

The United Nations' 1948 declaration setting out 30 articles on rights and freedoms belonging to everyone.

Support available to everyone who meets the rules for a particular category, without an income or savings test.

A belief about what is important or desirable that guides people's behaviour and judgements.

A tax included in the price of many goods and services bought by consumers.

A decision about whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty in a criminal trial.

The ability of a permanent member of the UN Security Council to block a substantive resolution, even when other members support it.

Checks on an applicant’s background, references and suitability before a party approves them as a potential candidate.

A person who suffers harm or loss directly caused by a criminal offence. Under the Victims’ Code, certain bereaved relatives also qualify.

A statement explaining how a crime has affected the victim, which the court considers when sentencing the offender.

A person's position or opinion on an issue, including the reasons they give for it.

An organisation in which people freely give time or skills to help others or promote a cause.

An organisation outside government that works for social or community purposes rather than distributing profits to owners, such as a charity.

Giving time and skills without payment to help others or support a cause.

A lack of interest in or concern about voting and political participation.

Citizens’ interest in elections and involvement in activities such as learning about candidates, registering and voting.

The percentage of the registered electorate who vote in an election.

A serious violation of the laws governing armed conflict, such as deliberately targeting civilians or torturing prisoners.