How does law and order work in Britain today? - Worksheet - Year 5

When exploring how law and order function in Britain today, one may delve into the historical aspects of its legal system. Here are some findings presented in bullet points regarding the origins and evolution of key components of the British legal and law enforcement systems:

• Juries have been a part of the English legal system since the 12th century, with their use formalised in the Magna Carta of 1215.
• The number 12 for jurors was established due to the belief that it represented a fair representation of society, and it has religious and historical significance.
• Women were first allowed to serve on juries in England with the passing of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919.
• The Metropolitan Police Service, commonly known as the police force, was established in London in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel, leading to officers being nicknamed 'Bobbies'.

As for the question of prisons:

• Prisons have existed in various forms for centuries, but the modern prison system in Britain began to develop in the 19th century with a focus on reform and rehabilitation.
• Historically, prisons were not always intended for long-term punishment but were often used to hold debtors or those awaiting trial or execution.

Regarding the intelligence services:

• The Security Service, commonly known as MI5 (Military Intelligence, Section 5), was founded in 1909 to counteract espionage and protect national security.
• The Secret Intelligence Service, known as MI6 (Military Intelligence, Section 6), started operations in 1909 as well, focusing on foreign intelligence gathering.

Concerning Scotland Yard:

• Scotland Yard, the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Service, was established in 1829.
• It is called Scotland Yard because its original location was on Great Scotland Yard, a street in Westminster, London. The name has stuck despite the headquarters moving locations.

The concept of 'crime and punishment' in Britain has evolved significantly over the ages, from corporal and capital punishment to a modern system that emphasises rehabilitation and the rule of law. Today, law and order in Britain are maintained through a combination of policing, judicial processes, correctional services, and intelligence operations, all functioning within the framework of the law to ensure safety and justice.