Welcome to the course.

Whenever a group of people start to cooperate and work together, they will start to agree some guidelines, rules and boundaries for each other’s behaviour.

The most important source of law in England and Wales is Legislation. Legislation is what most people would think of if you asked them for an example of law.

The second key source of laws within England and Wales is case law. Case law is law which is created by judges.

There are other categories of law which you should also understand: Common law and equity, public law and private law, and criminal and civil law. It is helpful to look at them in pairs. Do be aware that there is some overlap.

6 key points relating to the framework of law for England and Wales. Check your confidence in understanding this topic.

Now for a quick quiz to check your understanding.

The court system can be confusing. You might expect that criminal cases and civil cases would be dealt with in separate courts but, partly for historical reasons, some of the courts deal with both types of case.

We'll know look at some of the English courts in more detail.

13 key points relating to the system of courts. Check your confidence in understanding this topic.

Now for a quick quiz to check your understanding.

Going to court can be an intimidating experience. The costs of using lawyers and the delays in getting a final decision will deter many people and organisations from using the courts. However, there is an alternative.

Negotiation is where the lawyers acting for the parties to the dispute discuss the issues between them in order to reach an agreement (or settlement).

In mediation a trained mediator acts as a neutral third party to help the parties to the dispute reach agreement.

Conciliation is similar to mediation, but is often used to resolve disputes between groups of workers represented by their trade union and their employers.

Arbitration is a procedure under which the parties to the dispute submit arguments and evidence to one or more independent arbitrators, who make a decision in relation to the dispute.

A tribunal is a form of specialist court set up to resolve disputes in specific areas of law.

6 key points relating to the framework of law for England and Wales. Check your confidence in understanding this topic.

Now for a quick quiz to check your understanding.

The legal profession in England and Wales is divided into three main branches.

The majority of chartered legal executives work in law firms as partners or employees, working with solicitors, paralegals and support staff.

Solicitors are the largest branch of the profession within England and Wales. They work with clients in a wide range of areas of law, including conveyancing (buying and selling houses) and litigation.

Barristers are independent legal advisers whose main focus has traditionally been on advocacy (representing clients) in the courts. They are the smallest branch of the profession and are regulated by the Bar Standards Board.

Law firms will often employ non-legal professionals as well.

In England and Wales, being a judge is not a distinct legal profession with its own qualification structures and career progression. Instead, judges are recruited from among experienced members of the legal professions.

13 key points relating to the legal professions. Check your confidence in understanding this topic.

Now for a quick quiz to check your understanding.