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The judiciary and the police

Study note

Judges, together known as the judiciary, have the job of interpreting the law and making sure that trials are fair. They apply the law to the cases that come before them, but they do not make new laws, which is the job of Parliament. Importantly, judges are independent of the government, so ministers cannot tell them how to decide a case. This independence helps protect people's rights.

The police also play a vital part in upholding the law. Their job is to keep order, prevent and detect crime and protect the public. The police are independent of the government too, and just as importantly they must obey the law themselves. They are not above the law, and officers who misuse their power can be punished. So for the test, remember that both the judiciary and the police are independent of government, and both must act within the law.

Memory tip: Judges and police are both independent of the government and must follow the law.

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Question 1 of 4

What is the main role of judges (the judiciary)?

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Show all questions and answers for The judiciary and the police(4 questions with explanations)

The judiciary and the police: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What is the main role of judges (the judiciary)?

    • To make new laws in Parliament
    • To interpret the law and ensure trials are fair
    • To lead the government
    • To collect taxes

    Correct answer: To interpret the law and ensure trials are fair

    Judges interpret and apply the law and ensure fair trials, independent of government.

  2. 2. The police in the UK are independent of the government.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. The police are independent of the government and must obey the law themselves.

  3. 3. Which of these statements is correct?

    • Judges are appointed by the government to make new laws
    • Judges are independent of the government and interpret the law

    Correct answer: Judges are independent of the government and interpret the law

    Judges are independent of government and interpret the law; they do not make laws.

  4. 4. Which of these statements is correct?

    • The police are above the law and need not obey it
    • The police must obey the law themselves

    Correct answer: The police must obey the law themselves

    The police must obey the law themselves and can be punished if they misuse their authority.

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