Citizenship Studies key terms

Criminal behaviour, including the types of offences committed and patterns of offending in society.

Law concerned with offences treated as wrongs against the state, which can lead to punishment following conviction.

A reasoned judgement that weighs evidence, strengths and limitations before reaching a conclusion.

Raising money from many people, usually through an online appeal, to support a project or cause.

A court that tries serious criminal offences, with a judge and jury when guilt is contested. It also sentences some defendants referred by magistrates and hears appeals from magistrates’ courts.

A sense of belonging connected to shared customs and ways of life, including language, food, music and celebrations.

The shared customs, language, traditions, beliefs and ways of life of a group.

A sentence requiring an offender to spend time in prison.

Rules arising from state practice that states accept as legally binding.

An arrangement in which participating countries remove customs duties on goods traded between them and apply common tariffs to goods arriving from outside.

Money awarded in a civil case to compensate a successful claimant for harm or loss.

A discussion in which people hold different views about an issue or what should be done about it.

Payments of interest on money the government has borrowed.

A person or body with the authority to make the change being requested.

A formal statement of principles or standards, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

A person accused of a criminal offence, or a person or organisation defending a civil claim.

Careful consideration of an issue, including its evidence, competing arguments and possible consequences, before reaching a decision.

A system of government in which political power rests with the people, who participate directly or through elected representatives.

Principles or standards that reflect the ideals of a democratic society and guide how citizens and those in power should act.

A public gathering or march expressing support for, or opposition to, an issue.

A political party’s decision not to choose an existing representative as its candidate for a future election.

A court sentence involving detention in secure accommodation for young people and training intended to help prevent further offending.

Discouraging crime through the prospect or experience of punishment.

Something intended to discourage an action, such as the possibility of a fine discouraging speeding.

Long-term improvement in people's living conditions, opportunities and ability to meet their needs.

The transfer of some powers from central government to institutions such as the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Parliament (Senedd) and Northern Ireland Assembly.

A policy area in which a devolved legislature or government has authority to make decisions.