How does law and order work in Britain today? - Teacher's notes

In today's Britain, understanding the significance of law and order is integral to grasping the country's values and governance. Teachers are encouraged to initiate a lesson by showing a video from BBC Teach about British values and the rule of law, prompting pupils to engage in a discussion and articulate five key reasons why laws are indispensable in society. This serves as a foundation for exploring the judicial system, including the historical and current roles of judges in the UK, and the longstanding tradition of their presence in the legal framework.

The lesson extends to include an examination of the origins and evolution of the UK's legal system. Pupils delve into the history of various legal institutions and practices, such as the formation of juries, the inclusion of women as jurors, the establishment of the police force, the inception and development of prisons, and the origins of intelligence agencies like MI5 and MI6. Additionally, they investigate the curious naming of Scotland Yard and its London location. Pupils are encouraged to conduct their own research on these topics to gain a deeper understanding of how 'crime and punishment' have transformed throughout the ages and how law and order function in contemporary Britain.