How does law and order work in Britain today? - Presentation

The presentation on 'How does law and order work in Britain today?' delves into the evolution of crime and punishment through the ages, highlighting the significant changes that have shaped the British legal system. Teachers are encouraged to initiate the lesson with a video from BBC Teach that discusses British values, specifically the rule of law. This serves as a starting point for pupils to consider the importance of laws, prompting them to list five reasons why laws are vital. The lesson proceeds to explore the role of judges and the historical context of their establishment in Britain. Students are tasked with investigating various aspects of the British legal system, including the origins of judges and juries, the development of the police force, prisons, intelligence agencies like MI5 and MI6, and the establishment of Scotland Yard. The presentation aims to help pupils understand the roots of current laws and the functions of legal institutions within the country.

As part of the historical journey, the presentation also touches upon the traditional attire of judges, specifically the wearing of wigs, a practice dating back to the 17th century and rooted in royal court dress codes from the 14th century. The evolution of wigs from full-bottomed to the more modest bob wig reflects changes in fashion and formality within the legal profession. The presentation encourages students to conduct their own research into key questions about the legal system, such as the inception of juries and the criteria for their size, the introduction of women to jury service, the establishment of the police force, the history of prisons, and the founding of intelligence agencies and Scotland Yard. By structuring their findings in bullet points, students can concisely document how Britain's law and order system has transitioned over time, providing a clear understanding of its current state and functionality.