Understanding the difference between rules and laws is crucial for... Show more
Law
Economics
SociologySign 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
6
0
J
Jack Johnson
09/12/2025
Law
Nature of law and the English legal system
689
•
9 Dec 2025
•
Understanding the Basics: The Nature of Law and the English Legal System
J
Jack Johnson
@j.johns0n
1 / 5
The Nature of Law
Ever wondered why breaking your school's uniform policy gets you detention, but breaking the speed limit could land you in court? The difference lies in understanding rules versus laws.
Rules are guidelines showing how you should behave - think dress codes or house rules. Break them, and you might face minor consequences like detention or being grounded. Laws, however, are enforced by the state and carry much heavier punishments like fines, prison sentences, or points on your driving licence.
Some behaviours aren't illegal but go against social norms - like having facial tattoos or cheating on your partner. Society might disapprove, but you won't end up in court. Legal academics Twinning and Mires define rules as "general norms, mandating or guiding conduct."
Remember: People follow rules for three main reasons - moral obligation, because they're reasonable, and to avoid penalties.
Legal Rules and Criminal Law
Legal rules are enforced by the state through a system of courts, with the most severe penalty being a life sentence. Unlike social norms that developed over time and rely on community disapproval, laws must be obeyed by everyone and are enforced by courts.
Criminal law sets out forbidden behaviours that risk punishment. When you commit a crime, you've offended against the state, so the state prosecutes you. Punishments include imprisonment, community service, or driving disqualifications.
Interestingly, individuals can bring private prosecutions (though it's rare and costs around £50,000). This typically happens when police or the Crown Prosecution Service won't act, but the government can still step in to take over or stop the case.
Key insight: Criminal law aims to maintain law and order - it's about making sure everyone knows and follows the rules that keep society functioning.
Civil Law and Legal Disputes
Civil law deals with private disputes between individuals and businesses - think disagreements over contracts, property, or compensation claims. Unlike criminal law's focus on punishment, civil law aims to resolve conflicts and provide compensation.
The law of tort covers situations where someone owes you legal responsibility, even without a contract. If they breach that responsibility and cause you harm, you can claim compensation through the courts.
Here's where things get interesting: in criminal cases, the prosecutor (usually the Crown Prosecution Service) brings the case on behalf of the state. In civil cases, it's typically the individual or business that suffered harm seeking compensation.
Quick tip: Think of criminal law as "society vs. wrongdoer" and civil law as "person vs. person" - this helps distinguish between the two types of legal disputes.
Courts, Proof, and Common Law
Different types of cases go to different courts. Criminal cases are tried in magistrates' courts or crown courts, whilst civil cases are heard in high courts and county courts with a judge.
The standard of proof varies dramatically. Criminal cases must be proved "beyond reasonable doubt" because consequences can be severe (like life imprisonment). Civil cases only need to be proved "on the balance of probabilities" - essentially, who's most likely right?
Common law is unwritten law that developed from customs and judicial decisions, separate from statutory law created by Parliament. Murder is a common law offence, whilst theft is defined by statute (the Theft Act 1968). Acts of Parliament can change existing laws or create new ones for emerging issues like computer hacking.
Essential knowledge: Criminal outcomes are "guilty/not guilty," whilst civil outcomes determine if someone is "liable" and must put things right.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the English legal system starts with grasping that rules determine behaviour, often developing from social norms. These norms are enforced by community attitudes and personal guilt, whilst legal rules represent formal social control enforced by the state.
Criminal law forbids certain behaviours at risk of punishment, focusing on maintaining order. Civil law governs private disputes, aiming to resolve conflicts and provide compensation rather than punish.
Remember that laws can change instantly through Parliament, unlike social norms that evolve over time. Whether you're facing a criminal charge or a civil dispute, the system operates differently - from which court hears your case to what evidence is needed for a decision.
Exam success: Focus on distinguishing between criminal and civil law - their purposes, procedures, and outcomes are your key revision points for understanding legal fundamentals.
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.
Most popular content: Public Policy
Most popular content in Law
Most popular content
Chemistry paper 1 aqa
This is the aqa exam board for triple highwe
Chemistry10
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
Understanding the Basics: The Nature of Law and the English Legal System
J
Jack Johnson
@j.johns0n
Understanding the difference between rules and laws is crucial for navigating society and your A-levels. This guide breaks down the English legal system, explaining how criminal and civil law work, and why some behaviours land you in court whilst others... Show more
The Nature of Law
Ever wondered why breaking your school's uniform policy gets you detention, but breaking the speed limit could land you in court? The difference lies in understanding rules versus laws.
Rules are guidelines showing how you should behave - think dress codes or house rules. Break them, and you might face minor consequences like detention or being grounded. Laws, however, are enforced by the state and carry much heavier punishments like fines, prison sentences, or points on your driving licence.
Some behaviours aren't illegal but go against social norms - like having facial tattoos or cheating on your partner. Society might disapprove, but you won't end up in court. Legal academics Twinning and Mires define rules as "general norms, mandating or guiding conduct."
Remember: People follow rules for three main reasons - moral obligation, because they're reasonable, and to avoid penalties.
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
Legal Rules and Criminal Law
Legal rules are enforced by the state through a system of courts, with the most severe penalty being a life sentence. Unlike social norms that developed over time and rely on community disapproval, laws must be obeyed by everyone and are enforced by courts.
Criminal law sets out forbidden behaviours that risk punishment. When you commit a crime, you've offended against the state, so the state prosecutes you. Punishments include imprisonment, community service, or driving disqualifications.
Interestingly, individuals can bring private prosecutions (though it's rare and costs around £50,000). This typically happens when police or the Crown Prosecution Service won't act, but the government can still step in to take over or stop the case.
Key insight: Criminal law aims to maintain law and order - it's about making sure everyone knows and follows the rules that keep society functioning.
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
Civil Law and Legal Disputes
Civil law deals with private disputes between individuals and businesses - think disagreements over contracts, property, or compensation claims. Unlike criminal law's focus on punishment, civil law aims to resolve conflicts and provide compensation.
The law of tort covers situations where someone owes you legal responsibility, even without a contract. If they breach that responsibility and cause you harm, you can claim compensation through the courts.
Here's where things get interesting: in criminal cases, the prosecutor (usually the Crown Prosecution Service) brings the case on behalf of the state. In civil cases, it's typically the individual or business that suffered harm seeking compensation.
Quick tip: Think of criminal law as "society vs. wrongdoer" and civil law as "person vs. person" - this helps distinguish between the two types of legal disputes.
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
Courts, Proof, and Common Law
Different types of cases go to different courts. Criminal cases are tried in magistrates' courts or crown courts, whilst civil cases are heard in high courts and county courts with a judge.
The standard of proof varies dramatically. Criminal cases must be proved "beyond reasonable doubt" because consequences can be severe (like life imprisonment). Civil cases only need to be proved "on the balance of probabilities" - essentially, who's most likely right?
Common law is unwritten law that developed from customs and judicial decisions, separate from statutory law created by Parliament. Murder is a common law offence, whilst theft is defined by statute (the Theft Act 1968). Acts of Parliament can change existing laws or create new ones for emerging issues like computer hacking.
Essential knowledge: Criminal outcomes are "guilty/not guilty," whilst civil outcomes determine if someone is "liable" and must put things right.
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
Key Takeaways
Understanding the English legal system starts with grasping that rules determine behaviour, often developing from social norms. These norms are enforced by community attitudes and personal guilt, whilst legal rules represent formal social control enforced by the state.
Criminal law forbids certain behaviours at risk of punishment, focusing on maintaining order. Civil law governs private disputes, aiming to resolve conflicts and provide compensation rather than punish.
Remember that laws can change instantly through Parliament, unlike social norms that evolve over time. Whether you're facing a criminal charge or a civil dispute, the system operates differently - from which court hears your case to what evidence is needed for a decision.
Exam success: Focus on distinguishing between criminal and civil law - their purposes, procedures, and outcomes are your key revision points for understanding legal fundamentals.
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.
6
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content: Public Policy
Most popular content in Law
Most popular content
Chemistry paper 1 aqa
This is the aqa exam board for triple highwe
Chemistry10
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