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.