UK Legal System and Principles Quiz

The system of rules that governs the structure and operation of the government, and the relationship between the government and individuals.

Unlike many countries with a single written document, the UK's constitution is composed of statutes, judicial decisions, and conventions.

The principle that the power of the government is divided into three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial.

The principle that Parliament is the supreme legal authority and its laws are binding on everyone, including the courts.

The idea that everyone, including the government, is subject to the law and must follow it.

A court that developed alongside common law to provide fairness and flexibility in the legal system.

A form of law that developed from custom and practice among merchants, which became a significant source of English law.

Modern reforms introduced in the 19th century to modernize the English legal system, including significant changes to criminal laws.

Decisions made by judges in previous cases that are used as precedents for future cases.

Judges interpret and apply laws to new situations, even if precedents don't perfectly fit.

Judges can review the actions of government bodies to ensure they are following the law.

Judges change legal doctrines to be more relevant to current social and moral values.

Consistency and predictability in the law due to the use of precedents.

Case law develops from real-life situations, offering detailed legal rules.

Case law can adapt to changes in society more quickly than statutes.

The sheer volume of case law can make it challenging to navigate and understand.

The reliance on precedents can lead to outdated or unjust decisions being upheld.

The focus on distinguishing cases can make the outcome of a case unpredictable.

Case law evolves piecemeal, without a clear structure, leading to legal inconsistencies.

The potential for judges to go beyond their traditional role and influence policy areas that are more within Parliament's jurisdiction.

The principle of respecting previous decisions, ensuring consistency and predictability.

Judges play a critical role in the development of law, especially when dealing with complex issues.

Judges are responsible for making law when there is no clear statutory guidance.

The part of a judge's decision that establishes binding precedent for future cases with similar facts. It's the 'reason for deciding.'

Additional remarks from a judge that aren't essential for the outcome of the case and don't create binding precedent, but can be persuasive in later cases.

Laws made by Parliament, the highest source of law in the UK. These statutes are supreme, taking precedence over case law.

Laws made by individuals or bodies under powers granted by an Act of Parliament. These regulations provide detailed rules.

Laws made by the European Union, which previously took precedence over UK law in areas of EU competence.

Laws based on traditional customs and practices that have been accepted as binding, often unwritten and reflecting societal norms.

A legal system developed to address the rigidity of common law, focusing on fairness and introducing remedies like trusts and injunctions.

International agreements that influence domestic law. Some examples include human rights conventions and trade agreements.

The complex process by which judges rely on precedent, interpretation of statutes, and legal principles to reach decisions in cases.

Legal sources that provide valuable interpretations and critique of existing law, but are not legally binding.

A legal system that is based on judges' decisions, rather than written laws.

The process of making sure that all legal decisions are fair and based on the law. This includes ensuring that the law is applied consistently and that everyone is treated equally.

In the UK, the highest courts interpret statutes by applying the meaning and intent of Parliament when they created the law.

Legislation passed by Parliament that reflects principles established by courts in previous cases.

Judges can interpret or create new legal principles when precedents conflict or are unclear.

Judges decide on complex social and moral issues when Parliament hasn't provided specific laws.

A court’s ability to change its own prior rulings, enhancing the flexibility of case law.

Judges can create new criminal liability when Parliament hasn't addressed the issue.

Delegated legislation allows officials to provide detailed rules for laws passed by Parliament.

Delegated legislation allows experts in specific fields to create detailed regulations.

Delegated legislation addresses local or specific issues that Parliament may not have time for.

Delegated legislation can be changed or revoked easily, allowing for quick responses to changing circumstances.

The most common form of delegated legislation, used for making rules under the framework of an Act.

Local authorities make these to apply in their area.

Issued by the Privy Council, they are used in special circumstances.

Consultation with experts ensures practicality and effectiveness of delegated legislation.

Public access to delegated legislation ensures transparency and accountability.

Civil servants and unelected officials make delegated legislation, bypassing Parliamentary scrutiny and public debate.

Delegated legislation, intended for technical details, is often used for significant policy changes, undermining parliamentary oversight.

Delegating power to make rules to other bodies can lead to less transparency and potential misuse.

Parliamentary scrutiny and judicial review, meant to control delegated legislation, are often ineffective, leaving the public unaware of the rules until they are affected.

The highest court of appeal in the UK, bound by its own decisions but can overrule precedents.

The final court of appeal for certain overseas territories and crown dependencies, decisions are not legally binding in the UK courts.

The intermediate court of appeal in the UK, bound by the Supreme Court and some flexibility in applying precedent.

The trial court in serious criminal cases in the UK, bound by higher courts but decisions are not binding precedents.

The lower court handling less serious criminal matters in the UK, bound by higher courts but not setting precedents.

The court handling civil cases involving low values in the UK, bound by higher courts but not setting precedents.

The highest court in the EU, its decisions were binding on the UK (before Brexit) on matters of EU law.

The hierarchy of courts, with higher courts having authority over lower courts.