The UK Legal System
The United Kingdom has three legal systems. They are the legal systems of England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. This text gives a simple introduction to the legal system in England and Wales.
There are different sources of law. Parliament makes laws. These laws are called Acts of Parliament. Courts also have an important role. Judges decide cases and interpret the law.
England and Wales have a common-law legal system. This means that case law is important. A judge makes a decision in a case. Sometimes, this decision becomes a precedent. A precedent is an earlier case that can help a judge decide a similar case in the future.
There are two main types of cases: criminal cases and civil cases.
A criminal case is about a crime. For example, a person may be accused of theft, assault or fraud. The defendant is the person accused of the crime. The prosecution presents the case against the defendant. The court looks at the evidence and makes a decision.
A civil case is usually a dispute between two people or organisations. For example, a person may have a problem with a contract, a debt or a landlord. The person who starts a civil case is called the claimant. The other person is the defendant.
There are different courts in England and Wales. The Magistrates’ Court deals with many criminal cases. More serious criminal cases can go to the Crown Court. Civil cases usually start in the County Court. There are also higher courts, including the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
If a person is not happy with a court’s decision, they may be able to appeal. An appeal is a request for a higher court to look at the case again.
There are also special courts and tribunals. For example, an Employment Tribunal deals with many problems between employees and employers.
A lawyer helps a client with legal problems. A lawyer can give legal advice and can represent a client in court. A judge listens to the people in a case, considers the evidence and makes a judgment.
The UK legal system can be different from the legal system in other countries. For example, case law and precedent are very important in England and Wales. This is one of the important differences between the English legal system and many European legal systems.
