Law for Beginners

Introduction What is law? Why do we need laws? How does the law work? Right and wrong It isn't black and white Chapter 1: Criminal Law An unlucky accident, or a serious crime? Follow a story to see what happens, and who gets involved, from a person's arrest to trial and beyond. Chapter 2: Civil law Most law isn't about crime and punishment - it's about settling arguments, and making sure people behave fairly to each other. This is 'civil' law. Chapter 3: How is law made? Laws used to be made by leaders with limitless powers. Today, most laws are made by elected politicians, who have to follow all sorts of rules. Chapter 4: Law across borders Are there laws that the whole world has to obey? How are those made - and how are they enforced? Chapter 5: Human rights Some of the most important laws, or rights, are meant to ensure that all people can live safe, healthy lives with equal opportunities. But does this actually happen? Chapter 6: Justice Justice means fairness. It's what law is all about, isn't it? But are laws themselves fair? And what about the system that enforces the law - is that fair? Chapter 7: Big questions Often in law, there are questions that don't have simple answers. Read some of the arguments and see if you can make up your own mind. Chapter 8: What next? What about YOU? Could you be a lawyers, or a lawmaker, or a law enforcer? Glossary Index