Civil law & Criminal law (AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies): Revision Note

Background

• Residents of luxury flats next to the Tate Modern complained that visitors on the gallery’s viewing platform could look directly into their homes, sometimes using binoculars

• The residents argued this constant overlooking invaded their privacy

Process

• The flat owners brought a civil claim in nuisance against the Tate Gallery, arguing that the gallery’s design interfered with their right to enjoy their property

• The case went through the civil courts and reached the UK Supreme Court

Outcome

• The Supreme Court ruled in favour of the residents, deciding that extreme overlooking could count as a legal nuisance

• This case showed that civil law can deal with unusual everyday problems, not just money disputes, and focuses on resolving harm rather than punishing behaviour

Background

• In 2019, Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) was accused of contempt of court after filming and livestreaming outside a criminal trial

• His actions risked influencing jurors and undermining the defendant’s right to a fair trial

Process

• The case was brought by the state, as contempt of court is a criminal offence, and was heard in the Crown Court

• Judges considered whether Robinson’s actions interfered with the justice system

Outcome

• Robinson was found guilty at the Old Bailey and sentenced to nine months in prison, showing how criminal law is used to protect the fairness and integrity of trials