3. The English legal system is a common
law system. This means it's based on
past court decisions (case law or
precedent) and the authority of
Parliament. It upholds the rule of law
and the separation of powers, while
also recognising the importance of
human rights.
What is the English legal system?
4. What is it made up of?
The English legal system consists of:
-Common Law;
-the Rule of Law;
-the Separation of Powers;
-Human Rights;
5. Common Law
Common Law is the foundation of the
system. It develops through legal
precedent – past court decisions that
become binding on similar future cases.
This ensures consistency and
predictability while allowing the law to
evolve gradually.
6. Rule of Law
Rule of Law guarantees equality before
the law and protection against abuse of
power.
7. Separation of Powers
Power is divided between:
-the Parliament (legislature);
-the Government (executive);
-the courts (judiciary);
This prevents any one branch from
becoming too powerful, creating a
system of checks and balances to
prevent abuse.
8. Human Rights
Human rights remain a fundamental
part of the English legal system, even
after leaving the European Union.
9. The relationship between
Monarchy and Church
The relationship between monarchs and
the Church has always been complicated
and changed over time, depending on
the culture and time period.
10. Theocratic Monarchies
In some ancient societies, the ruler was
both the political and religious leader,
often seen as a god or chosen by God.
There was no difference between Church
and State.
Patronage and Power:
Even when rulers weren't seen as gods,
they often controlled the Church, using
its power to strengthen their own rule.
The Church also benefited from this
arrangement.
11. Separation of Church and State
Many countries have developed a clear
separation between the Church and the
State, protecting religious freedom and
preventing government control over
religion. The extent of this separation
differs.
The Reformation caused many wars as
different groups fought for control of the
Church and the state.
Religious Wars
12. Magna Carta
The Magna Carta, signed by the King of
England in 1215, was a turning point in
human rights.
Magna Carta limited the King's power in
England, establishing some rights for
the people and influencing the
development of legal systems which
protect individual rights.
13. Union of England and Scotland
Union of the Crowns (1603): James I
united the English and Scottish crowns,
leading to a combined flag with St.
George's and St. Andrew's crosses.
Union of England and Scotland (1707):
Formal union created the first version of
the Union Jack, combining the English
and Scottish crosses on a blue
background.
14. Union with Ireland (1801)
Ireland's addition to the United
Kingdom resulted in the current Union
Jack, incorporating St. Patrick's Cross.
However, the design doesn't reflect
equal representation of the nations.
15. The union of the flags
The flag of england is therefore the
union and the contract with other
countries that were previously separate.
Scotland and Ireland
16. Evolution and Symbolism
The Union Jack is a powerful symbol of
British identity and history, but its
symbolism is complex and debated,
especially considering its association
with imperialism.