Understanding how the law works and what makes a good... Show more
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79
•
6 Dec 2025
•
Understanding Rights and Responsibilities
libbie
@libbie_urrz
1 / 5
Citizenship Basics and Legal Systems
Ever wondered what makes someone a good citizen? Civic duty is simply the responsibility you have towards your community - like voting, following laws, and helping others when needed.
The UK operates under two main legal systems that handle different problems. Civil law deals with disputes between individuals or groups, like arguments over money or property. Criminal law, on the other hand, focuses on people who break the law and commit crimes against others or society.
The judiciary is responsible for enforcing these laws, whilst juries - groups of local people like your neighbours - help decide important court cases. It's quite brilliant how ordinary citizens play such a vital role in our justice system!
Quick Fact: The United Nations has 193 member states, showing how interconnected our world really is.
Court Systems and Legal Processes
The Crown Prosecution Service plays a massive role in our justice system by advising police on cases and deciding what defendants should be charged with in serious cases. They also determine whether it's in the public interest to take someone to court.
Civil cases typically don't include juries and cover disputes like divorce, inheritance, and property ownership. However, there are exceptions for libel and slander cases where juries are needed.
Criminal cases always include juries because the charges must be proven beyond reasonable doubt. These cases cover crimes against people, property, or the state, including situations where someone has encouraged criminal behaviour.
Did You Know?: It costs approximately £44,000 per year to keep one person in prison in the UK.
Sentencing and Justice Purposes
The Criminal Justice Act 2003 established five key purposes of sentencing that shape how courts punish offenders. These include punishing the offender, deterring future crimes, rehabilitation, protection of the public, and making reparations to victims.
Courts can choose from various sentence types depending on the crime. These range from fines for minor offences like speeding or breaking COVID restrictions, to community orders involving counselling or community service, right up to life sentences for the most serious crimes.
Suspended sentences offer a clever alternative - offenders don't serve prison time if they behave well, whilst curfew orders act like house arrest. The age of criminal responsibility in the UK is just 10 years old.
Key Point: The justice system balances punishing criminals with protecting innocent people and resolving disputes fairly.
Community Justice and Citizen Participation
Your community plays a huge part in making the justice system work effectively. Juries are selected randomly from electoral rolls, ensuring everyone has an equal say without bias in important court decisions.
Magistrates are ordinary citizens from local communities who volunteer their time, receive some legal training, and work in groups of three to handle minor cases. Tribunals deal with smaller disputes like child support and employment issues, taking pressure off the main court system.
Witnesses and victims provide vital evidence for police investigations, and citizens have a responsibility to report crimes they witness. Special constables volunteer to support regular police officers, whilst neighbourhood watch schemes help residents monitor crime in their areas.
Community Power: Modern neighbourhood watch often uses apps and online groups, making it easier than ever to keep your area safe.
Prison Statistics and Reality
Prison statistics reveal some eye-opening facts about who ends up behind bars in the UK. With fewer than 80,000 people in prison, less than 4,600 are women, representing just 53% of the prison population.
The average prison sentence lasts 15 months, but the demographics tell an important story. About 26% of prisoners come from ethnic minority groups, whilst 20-30% have learning difficulties that may have contributed to their situation.
Sadly, many prisoners have difficult backgrounds - 24% experienced sexual or emotional abuse, and 37% had family members who were previously imprisoned. These statistics show that prison sentences serve multiple purposes beyond punishment, including rehabilitation and breaking cycles of crime.
Reality Check: Prisons cost taxpayers millions each year but play a crucial role in showing that offending behaviour won't be tolerated in society.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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4.9/5
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4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Rights and Responsibilities
libbie
@libbie_urrz
Understanding how the law works and what makes a good citizen is crucial for everyone living in the UK. From knowing your civic duties to understanding how courts and prisons operate, these topics directly affect your daily life and future... Show more
Citizenship Basics and Legal Systems
Ever wondered what makes someone a good citizen? Civic duty is simply the responsibility you have towards your community - like voting, following laws, and helping others when needed.
The UK operates under two main legal systems that handle different problems. Civil law deals with disputes between individuals or groups, like arguments over money or property. Criminal law, on the other hand, focuses on people who break the law and commit crimes against others or society.
The judiciary is responsible for enforcing these laws, whilst juries - groups of local people like your neighbours - help decide important court cases. It's quite brilliant how ordinary citizens play such a vital role in our justice system!
Quick Fact: The United Nations has 193 member states, showing how interconnected our world really is.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Court Systems and Legal Processes
The Crown Prosecution Service plays a massive role in our justice system by advising police on cases and deciding what defendants should be charged with in serious cases. They also determine whether it's in the public interest to take someone to court.
Civil cases typically don't include juries and cover disputes like divorce, inheritance, and property ownership. However, there are exceptions for libel and slander cases where juries are needed.
Criminal cases always include juries because the charges must be proven beyond reasonable doubt. These cases cover crimes against people, property, or the state, including situations where someone has encouraged criminal behaviour.
Did You Know?: It costs approximately £44,000 per year to keep one person in prison in the UK.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sentencing and Justice Purposes
The Criminal Justice Act 2003 established five key purposes of sentencing that shape how courts punish offenders. These include punishing the offender, deterring future crimes, rehabilitation, protection of the public, and making reparations to victims.
Courts can choose from various sentence types depending on the crime. These range from fines for minor offences like speeding or breaking COVID restrictions, to community orders involving counselling or community service, right up to life sentences for the most serious crimes.
Suspended sentences offer a clever alternative - offenders don't serve prison time if they behave well, whilst curfew orders act like house arrest. The age of criminal responsibility in the UK is just 10 years old.
Key Point: The justice system balances punishing criminals with protecting innocent people and resolving disputes fairly.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Community Justice and Citizen Participation
Your community plays a huge part in making the justice system work effectively. Juries are selected randomly from electoral rolls, ensuring everyone has an equal say without bias in important court decisions.
Magistrates are ordinary citizens from local communities who volunteer their time, receive some legal training, and work in groups of three to handle minor cases. Tribunals deal with smaller disputes like child support and employment issues, taking pressure off the main court system.
Witnesses and victims provide vital evidence for police investigations, and citizens have a responsibility to report crimes they witness. Special constables volunteer to support regular police officers, whilst neighbourhood watch schemes help residents monitor crime in their areas.
Community Power: Modern neighbourhood watch often uses apps and online groups, making it easier than ever to keep your area safe.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Prison Statistics and Reality
Prison statistics reveal some eye-opening facts about who ends up behind bars in the UK. With fewer than 80,000 people in prison, less than 4,600 are women, representing just 53% of the prison population.
The average prison sentence lasts 15 months, but the demographics tell an important story. About 26% of prisoners come from ethnic minority groups, whilst 20-30% have learning difficulties that may have contributed to their situation.
Sadly, many prisoners have difficult backgrounds - 24% experienced sexual or emotional abuse, and 37% had family members who were previously imprisoned. These statistics show that prison sentences serve multiple purposes beyond punishment, including rehabilitation and breaking cycles of crime.
Reality Check: Prisons cost taxpayers millions each year but play a crucial role in showing that offending behaviour won't be tolerated in society.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user