Cambridge OCR GCSE (9-1) · Citizenship Studies - J270

The legal system (England and Wales): Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on The legal system (England and Wales).

10 questions28 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

In the legal system of England and Wales, which role is specifically responsible for determining local policing priorities through the setting of a five-year Police and Crime Plan?

Question 2

1 mark

The executive and the judiciary sometimes experience tension within the British constitution. Which scenario best illustrates a potential conflict between these two branches regarding the legal system?

Question 3

1 mark

A citizen is summoned to participate in a trial at the Crown Court to decide the guilt or innocence of a defendant based on the evidence presented. Which role are they fulfilling?

Question 4

1 mark

Which of the following best describes the principle of retribution as a purpose of sentencing in the English legal system?

Question 5

1 mark

Consider the different means of dispute resolution in England and Wales. In which setting would a citizen most likely seek a legally binding decision regarding a specialist dispute over employment rights or welfare benefits rather than a criminal matter?

Question 6

3 marks

Explain the specific role of a magistrate in the legal system of England and Wales and identify one key difference between their role and that of a Crown Court judge.

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Question 7

5 marks

Explain the role of legal representatives (solicitors and barristers) in a criminal trial and how their participation ensures the principle of equality before the law is maintained.

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Question 8

4 marks

Explain the difference between the retribution and rehabilitation approaches to sentencing within the criminal justice system.

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Question 9

5 marks

The youth justice system is designed to deal with law-breakers under the age of 18 differently than adults.

(a) State the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales.
(b) Explain two ways in which the procedures in a Youth Court differ from those in an adult Magistrates' Court.
(c) Evaluate the use of rehabilitation as a primary aim for young offenders. Why might some argue that retribution should be more important?

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Question 10

6 marks

Citizens play a vital role in the legal system as jurors.

(a) Explain how a jury is selected and what their specific responsibility is during a trial in the Crown Court.
(b) Analyze the advantages of the jury system in ensuring equality before the law.
(c) Evaluate the challenges faced by the jury system, such as the impact of media coverage or the complexity of evidence. Do these challenges outweigh the benefits of 'trial by peers'?

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