This guide aims to explore the legal system in the UK. There are three separate legal systems in the United Kingdom. One for England and Wales, one for Scotland and one for Northern Ireland. The separation between the three systems reflects the historical origins of the countries. There are some crossovers within certain pieces of legislation which we will explore further in this guide.
Additionally, within the legal system, there are different areas of law. For example, criminal injury, personal injury and data protection. We will explore each of these in more detail throughout our guide.
Furthermore, we aim to look at the structure of the legal system in the UK with regard to when you could be eligible to claim compensation.
Please continue reading for more information. Alternatively, get in touch via our contact form.
Select A Section
- The Legal System In The UK – Personal Injury
- What Is The Criminal Justice System In The UK?
- What Are The 2 Types Of Law In The UK For Data Protection?
- How Does The Court System In England And Wales Work?
- Learn More About The Legal System In The UK
The Legal System In the UK – Personal Injury
When making a claim for personal injury, you must establish that someone breached the duty of care they owed you and caused you harm. This is known as negligence.
There are several places where you may have been owed a duty of care, including:
- The workplace: Many laws in the UK apply to the workplace. For example, your employer owes a duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 which is the central piece of workplace health and safety legislation. However, other legislation sets out more specific responsibilities an employer has depending on the workplace. The legislation also doesn’t cover the whole of the UK.
- On the road: You may be wondering whether there are two types of laws in the UK that apply to the road. Road users have a duty of care under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Additionally, in England, Scotland and Wales, the Highway Code provides rules and guidance for different road users. The rules in the Highway Code are backed elsewhere in the law.
- In a public place: Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, the person in control of a public place owes a duty of care to those visiting the space. This piece of legislation applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
To learn more about the legal system in the UK with regard to legislation in place for members of the public, employees and road users, get in touch.
What Is The Criminal Justice System In The UK?
There are many avenues you could take to seek compensation when making a criminal injury claim. For example, you could make your claim directly against the perpetrator or another vicariously liable third party. A liable third party could be a school that didn’t carry out the necessary checks on a new teacher which led to a child being harmed.
However, if the perpetrator is unidentified or doesn’t have the means to pay compensation, you could make your claim a different way. For example, if you were injured as a result of a violent crime in England, Scotland or Wales or another relevant place, you could seek compensation via the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
There are different steps you may need to take depending on whether you claim directly against the perpetrator, other liable third party or through the CICA.
For more information on what type of legal system is used in the UK for criminal offences and how you could seek compensation, please get in touch via the contact form. You can ask more questions about the legal system in the UK with regard to criminal law.
What Are The 2 Types Of Law In The UK For Data Protection?
You may be wondering how many laws in the UK apply to data protection. The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 set out a data controller and data processor’s responsibility for protecting the personal data of those who reside in the UK.
A data controller decides on the purpose for processing your personal data whilst a data processor acts on the controller’s behalf. A controller can also process the data themselves.
If there is a failure to adhere to data protection law, it could result in your personal data being breached.
A personal data breach involves a security incident that results in your personal information being altered, destroyed or lost either accidentally or unlawfully. It can also involve your personal data being accessed or disclosed without authorisation.
If a data controller’s or data processor’s failings cause your personal data to become compromised and result in you experiencing financial loss or emotional harm, you may be able to seek compensation.
To find out more about the legal system in the UK with regard to data protection laws, get in touch.
How Does The Court System In England And Wales Work?
Solicitors must follow the Pre-Action Protocols to avoid claims going to court. There are several steps involved in the protocols such as notifying the defendant of the legal action, determining liability and negotiating a settlement.
Whilst not many claims go to court, whether your claim will is dependent on several factors, such as:
- Whether further evidence is required
- The complexity of the case
- Whether liability is admitted
For more information on how the court system in England and Wales works, get in touch using the details below.
Learn More About The Legal System In The UK
Get in touch with our team if you’re still wondering ‘what is the legal system in the UK?’. An advisor can provide further information on the different types of claims that can be made under the legal system.
Find out more by filling out our contact form.
Resources
Please find some external resources that you may find beneficial below:
- GOV- Compensation after an accident or injury
- CPS- The Criminal Justice System
- HSE- Laws in the workplace
We hope this guide on the legal system in the UK has helped. However, if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the details provided.