Unit 201 The Legal Environment
Level: 2
Unit reference number: R/503/8688
Credit value: 5
Guided learning hours: 35
Unit aim: The aim of this unit is to enable the
learner to develop a basic knowledge of how laws are made and by
whom, and to gain an overview of how the legal system operates in
relation to both civil and criminal matters. The skills
developed by the learner include research skills.
There are three learning outcomes to this unit:
Outcome 1: understand the purpose of law and the framework
within which it operates
The learner can:
- describe law as sets of rules or codes of
conduct
- explain the aims of law
- identify the differences between
civil (private) and criminal (public) law.
Outcome 2: understand the main sources of English law
The learner can:
- identify the stages in statute
creation
- explain the concept of parliamentary
supremacy
- identify the main rules of statutory
interpretation
- explain the role of delegated
legislation
- explain the system of judicial
precedent
- describe the effect of European law on the
legal system
- describe the purpose of s3 of the Human
Rights Act 1998.
Outcome 3: understand the operation of
the legal system
The learner can:
- identify the hierarchical structure
of the courts
- describe the jurisdiction of each of the
courts
- describe the role of legal
personnel
- describe the role of lay people in the
legal environment
- explain the range of advice and financial
assistance available to a claimant in a civil case
- explain the range of advice and financial
assistance available to a defendant in a criminal case
- describe pre-trial procedure in criminal
cases
- identify the range of sentences following
a criminal trial
- identify alternative methods of dispute
resolution in civil cases
- describe the process of a civil
claim
- describe the main remedies available in a
civil claim.