Law Chapter: Court Structure and Sources of Law

The core legal materials that directly establish legal rules and principles.

Materials that explain, analyze, or interpret primary sources of law.

Laws passed by a legislature, like Parliament, that are written down and codified.

The body of law developed through court decisions, based on the principle of precedent.

The rule that judges must follow the decisions made by higher courts in previous cases that are legally similar.

The hierarchical structure of courts in England and Wales.

The act of referring to and applying the decisions made by previous courts in similar cases.

Journal articles, textbooks, and reports that help you understand and analyze primary sources of law.

The court where criminal cases involving young people are heard, dealing with offenses committed by individuals under 18.

The court in England that deals with the most serious criminal offenses, such as murder, rape, and robbery.

The court of first instance for civil disputes in England, dealing with a wide range of matters like personal injury, contract breaches, and debt recovery.

The court in England that has jurisdiction over both criminal and civil matters, including family cases and divorce.

The highest court in the UK, responsible for hearing appeals on both criminal and civil matters.

A court that deals with minor criminal offenses and civil disputes involving small amounts of money.

The part of the Court of Appeal dealing with appeals on criminal matters.

The part of the Court of Appeal handling appeals on civil matters.

The Law Commission is a body that reviews and recommends changes to existing laws. It aims to improve the clarity, consistency, and effectiveness of legal rules.

Public opinion can influence lawmaking, as demonstrated by the abolishment of the double jeopardy rule. This rule prevented people from being tried twice for the same crime, but it was abolished in cases where new & compelling evidence emerged.

Pressure groups advocate for specific causes or interests by lobbying lawmakers, organizing campaigns, and raising awareness. They use various strategies to impact public perception and pressure authorities.

The repeal of the double jeopardy rule was influenced by media pressure sparked by the Stephen Lawrence case. The media highlighted the acquittal of the suspects despite strong evidence, prompting a public outcry.

The media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion, which can, in turn, affect legal changes. By reporting on cases and issues, the media influences people's views.

The Law Commission's approach to law reform involves gathering evidence, researching options, consulting stakeholders, and proposing changes effectively.

The abolishment of the double jeopardy rule in cases with new compelling evidence reflects how the legal system adapts to societal changes and advancements.

Pressure groups heavily rely on media coverage to amplify their messages and reach a wider audience, mobilizing public support for their campaigns.

The party initiating a lawsuit in a civil case.

The party accused of wrongdoing in a criminal case.

The party accused of wrongdoing in a civil case.

The legal responsibility to prove a claim or allegation in court.

The standard of proof in criminal cases, requiring evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.

The standard of proof in civil cases, requiring proof that something is more likely than not.

Courts responsible for reviewing legal decisions made by lower courts.

The legal right to hear a case for the first time.

A specialized court within the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice that handles financial disputes exceeding £50 million, cases requiring market expertise, or matters of significant market importance.

It's a division within the High Court of Justice dedicated to resolving disputes arising from competition law, such as market abuse.

This list within the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice handles various intellectual property disputes, including patents, registered designs, copyright, and trademark infringement.

This branch of the Chancery Division handles legal matters like landlord-tenant disputes, estate administration, and probate claims.

This is a category within the civil court system in England and Wales that designates a particular type of claim based on its value and complexity.

The Small Claims Track, Fast Track, and Multi Track are the three classifications used to direct civil claims according to their value, complexity, and required process.

It means that both the County Court and the High Court of Justice have the authority to hear similar types of cases. This gives the claimant the right to choose where to file a claim.

These are specific guidelines that limit where a civil claim can be initiated, based on factors like the location of the defendant or the subject matter of the dispute.

Offenses that can only be tried in the magistrates' court.

Offenses that can be tried in either the magistrates' court or the Crown Court, depending on the seriousness.

Offenses that are automatically sent to the Crown Court for trial.

A hearing held in the magistrates' court to determine whether an either-way offense should be tried in the magistrates' court or the Crown Court.

Charges involving serious offenses like homicide, firearms, or violent crimes must be sent to the Crown Court.

Charges involving 'specified offences', such as rape and manslaughter, and where the court considers the youth to be a 'dangerous offender', must be sent to the Crown Court.

Charges involving offences punishable by life imprisonment or imprisonment for 10 years or more, and where the offence charged might attract a lengthy sentence, must be sent to the Crown Court.