The Role of Law (Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies): Revision Note

Law is a system of rules created by Parliament and enforced by the courts that people in society are expected to follow

• These rules apply to everyone and are backed up by punishments, such as prison sentences, or penalties, such as fines, if they are broken

Law affects everyday life by setting standards for behaviour, rights and responsibilities

• It helps people understand what they can and cannot do in different situations

Law plays a role in daily activities such as travelling, working and shopping

• Road traffic laws set speed limits and rules to keep drivers, cyclists and pedestrians safe

• Employment law regulates pay, working hours, health and safety and protection from unfair dismissal

• Consumer law protects people when buying goods or services that are faulty or not as described

Law helps protect individual rights

• It ensures people are treated fairly by employers, businesses and public authorities

Laws are needed to protect the public from harm

• Criminal laws make actions such as violence, theft and fraud illegal

• Punishments such as prison sentences and fines act as a deterrent to others

Laws help to settle disputes peacefully

• Civil law provides a legal way to resolve disagreements without violence

• Courts can decide outcomes in cases involving contracts, housing disputes or personal injury

Laws ensure people are treated fairly and equally

• Anti-discrimination laws protect people from unfair treatment

• The Equality Act 2010 makes discrimination illegal based on characteristics such as race, sex and disability

Laws are needed to achieve justice

• Courts aim to balance the rights of victims and defendants

• Sentences and compensation are used to provide fairness and accountability

Laws are used to change behaviour

• Penalties such as fines, community sentences or driving bans discourage harmful behaviour

• Laws can encourage positive behaviour, such as recycling or paying taxes

Laws help society respond to new situations and changing values

• New technology has led to laws on data protection and online safety

• Scientific developments and social change have influenced laws on the environment and equality