- Category: Law , Profession
Laws are regulations that citizens must follow to maintain peace and harmony within society. Whether in a small community or a nation, everyone must adhere to the law or face legal consequences. The law is not static and changes as society develops and responds to emerging issues, as explained by Finch and Fafinski's Legal Skills (7th edition).
A court is an institution with the authority to adjudicate legal matters between parties. Legal professionals, including lawyers and judges, play critical roles in the legal field, each with different duties and responsibilities.
In the British legal profession, lawyers include barristers and solicitors. While both handle similar types of legal work, the proportion of the cases they handle differs. Solicitors typically manage paperwork and attend client meetings, drafting and negotiating legal documents and contracts, providing legal advice, and handling clients' cases. The Law Society governs solicitors, who traditionally did not do advocacy work in higher courts, but recent changes have allowed more advocacy work. Barristers work independently and primarily handle advocacy work in court, representing individuals or organizations. They liaise with solicitors for initial research and other legal matters.
Judges act as pillars of the law, settling cases brought to court. The President of the Courts of England and Wales heads the judiciary, with the current Lord Chief Justice as the official President of the Court of Appeal, High Court, Crown Court, County Courts, and magistrates' courts. The Supreme Court has twelve justices, with 39 judges sitting in the Court of Appeal. Judges must remain impartial and fair, delivering judgments that follow the rules set out by the law.
In conclusion, the legal field comprises lawyers and judges with different roles and responsibilities. Lawyers divide into solicitors and barristers, with solicitors handling paperwork and initial research and barristers primarily handling advocacy work in court. Judges act as the backbone of the law, hearing cases brought to them and delivering impartial judgments.
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1. Discover information about the various jurisdictions within the British justice system by visiting the website of the Judiciary. This resource features comprehensive details on the different court systems, from the magistrates' courts to the Crown Court.
2. The UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers is a document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of lawyers. This resource by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime provides guidance on the essential functions of lawyers in protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals.
3. In the paper "The Public and the Private in Palmyra and Beyond," Professor Eben Moglen explores the history of law and governance in ancient societies. This publication by Columbia Law School delves into the concept of private property, public power, and the role of law in shaping human societies.
4. The Judicial Learning Center provides an overview of the rule of law and its importance in maintaining a just society. This resource explores the history and principles of the rule of law, including the concept of due process and the role of law in limiting government power.
5. "Thinking Like a Lawyer" is a book by Frederick Schauer that explores the fundamental principles of legal reasoning. This publication is geared towards law students and legal professionals seeking to improve their critical thinking and analytical skills.
6. The Rule of Law is a foundational principle that emphasizes the idea that everyone, including those in power, is subject to the law. The RoleUK website provides information on the significance of this principle in promoting fairness and justice for all.
7. High Court Judges play a crucial role in the British justice system. This page on the Judiciary website provides an overview of the responsibilities and duties of High Court Judges, including their function in ensuring legal precedent and interpreting legislation.
8. The Bar Standards Board is a regulatory body that oversees the conduct of barristers in England and Wales. This resource provides information on the role and responsibilities of barristers, including their duty to represent clients to the best of their ability.
9. The Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 is a significant piece of legislation that reformed the legal profession and court system in England and Wales. This Act introduced changes such as the creation of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Legal Complaints Service.
10. The Role of a Lawyer is essential in providing legal advice and representation to clients. This resource by LawAccess NSW explains the duties and responsibilities of lawyers to their clients, including confidentiality, impartiality, and providing the best possible advice.
11. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) provides information on the role of judges in promoting civil rights and justice for all. This resource explains how judges can uphold or undermine the rule of law and advocates for a diverse and fair judiciary.
12. The criminal jurisdiction of the British justice system is a complex area with various roles and responsibilities. This resource on the Judiciary website explains the responsibilities of judges in criminal cases, including their role in ensuring due process and delivering impartial judgements.
13. The Idea of Justice by Amartya Sen explores the concept of justice and its different interpretations across cultures and societies. This publication delves into the practical implications and challenges of achieving justice in a world marked by inequalities and diversity.
14. The British justice system is a complex network of courts, legal professionals, and institutions. This page on the Judiciary website provides an overview of the system and its key features, including the role of judges, the court system, and legal aid.
15. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United Kingdom, and its decisions have significant implications for the legal system and society. This resource on the Judiciary website explains the role and functions of the Supreme Court, including its role in interpreting the law and resolving disputes.
16. The Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 was a landmark legislative act that revolutionized the legal profession and court system of England and Wales. This Act paved the way for significant changes, including the creation of new regulatory authorities and the modernization of legal practice.
17. The Access to Justice Act 1999 was a key piece of legislation that aimed to improve access to legal services for everyone. This Act replaced the previous legal aid system and introduced new schemes to fund civil and criminal cases. The Act also created the Legal Services Commission to oversee these programs.
18. The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 was a significant legal reform that changed the way that justice was administered in the United Kingdom. This Act created a new Supreme Court to replace the House of Lords as the highest court. It also reformed the role of the Lord Chancellor and introduced new safeguards for judicial independence.
19. Upholding the rule of law is a core responsibility of judges in any legal system. This principle requires judges to apply the law impartially and without bias, ensuring that justice is served and the fundamental rights of all individuals are respected.