Rule of Law and Civil Law Flashcards
What is ‘Criminal Law’?
Aimes to make sure everyone is safe and protected. It covers actions that are regard as crimes against society
Examples of criminal law
Theft Murder Speeding Damage to property Assault
What is ‘Civil Law’?
Covers disputes between people and is usually about rights
Examples of civil law
Consumer rights Marriage Divorce Libel Accidents at work
Who is the ‘plaintiff’?
Someone feels that damage has been down to them
Who is the ‘defendant’?
Someone who brings a case against the other person
Example of civil offence
Libel
If someone writes or broadcasts something about a person that is not true, that person can sue for libel
Aim of civil cases
To uphold the rights of individuals
Aim of criminal cases
1) To maintain law and order
2) To protect society
Courts that dealt with CIVIL CASES
County Court
then
High Court
Courts that dealt with CRIMINAL CASES
Magistrates Court
then
Crown Court
Who starts the CIVIL cases
The individual whose rights have been affected - claimant
Who starts the CRIMINAL cases
1) The State through the police - Prosecutor
2) Crown Prosecution Service - Prosecutor
Standard of proof in CIVIL cases
On the balance of probabilities
Standard of proof in CRIMINAL cases
Beyond all reasonable doubt
Who makes decision in CIVIL cases
The judge
Who make decision in CRIMINAL cases
Magistrates or jury
Decision of CIVIL cases
Liable or not liable
Decision of CRIMINAL cases
Guilty or not guilty
Powers of Country/High court (Civil cases)
Compensation at a level set by the judge
Powers of Magistrates/Crown Court (Criminal cases)
1) Prison
2) Fine
3) Community Service
4) Discharge
The magistrates/ judges set the sentence
7 sources of law
1) Statute Law - Made by Parliament
2) Case Law - Based on judges decision
3) Common Law - Made outside Parliament, developed over centuries
4) Bylaws - Made by local authorities apply to their area
5) Rules and regulations E.g. By railways, bus companies, schools
6) International law - International agreements and treaties
7) European law - From EU, Britain plays a part in making these laws
7 Rights of the accused
1) To be innocent unless proven guilty
2) THe prosecution must prove the crime has been committed
3) The crime must be beyond all reasonable doubt *Better not to convict than convict innocence
4) Except youth case, the trial must be held in public
5) Witnesses must give evidence in the presence of the accused - The accused must be allowed to question when they give evidence
6) The court must listen to all that you and your lawyers have to say - relevant to your defence
7) You can never be charged with that particular offence again
Legal power of the police
1) Stop and search
2) Arrest
3) Detention
4) Investigation
5) Identification
6) Interviewing detainees
The action police will take against an arrested person if they have enough evidence
Take to a police station and detention authorised
then
Suspect placed in a cell
Police’s responsibility
1) Uphold the Law - fairly and firmly
2) Prevent crime
3) Detect crime - Purse and bring to justice those who break the law
4) Protect, help and re-assure the community
5) Keep the Queen’s Peace
6) Be seen to do all things with integrity, common sense and sound judgement
Reasonable grounds of suspects
1) Stolen goods
2) Drugs
3) Offensive weapons
4) Burglar or theft
5) Knives
6) Items which could damage or destroy property e.g. spray pain can
Rights that everybody has if arrested by the police
1) Proof of their warren card
2) Information on police powers to stop and search
3) Your rights
4) The police officer’s name and police station
5) The reason for the search
6) What they think they might find when they search you
7) A copy of the search record
Conditions when police can serve a summons
1) You have given a false name or address
2) To prevent you causing physical injury to yourself or others
3) To protect a child or other vulnerable person
4) To prevent offence against public decency