Overview
In this lesson students examine what the rule of law is and why we need it. They consider how and why laws are made in the UK and what the process is for getting laws changed. Photo: ©UK Parliament/ Jessica Taylor
More Lessons resources
Chicken Soup
In this lesson pupils will read a tale adapted from Jewish folklore that explores the theme of sharing. Pupils will reflect on the behaviour of the characters and consider how…
Democracy (Part 3): Why Do We Have Laws?
This lesson forms the final part of a three-part unit on democracy. Pupils learn about democracy and the rule of law. They discover the different roles of parliament, government and…
Inspirational People
In this lesson pupils will learn about what it means to be inspirational. They will develop their understanding of the term through looking at real life examples in the media.…
More Politics and Democracy resources
An Introduction to Human Rights
In this lesson students will explore our rights and responsibilities and how they are protected in law. They are challenged to consider if there are circumstances when human rights could…
The Government and the Economy
By the end of the lesson students will: Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and the budget; Assess the impact of changes to taxation and welfare…
Democracy (Part 3): Why Do We Have Laws?
This lesson forms the final part of a three-part unit on democracy. Pupils learn about democracy and the rule of law. They discover the different roles of parliament, government and…
More Understanding Rules & The Law resources
Controversial issues: guidance for schools
Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of the world, and not always positively. Graphic images on TV and…
What is a Digital Citizen?
In the delivery of this resource your students will explore what is meant by the term ‘digital citizen’. They will also examine what rights they have online and consider which…
Why Do We Have Rules?
In this lesson pupils will think about the purpose of rules by reflecting on what life might be like without them. Pupils will discuss different types of rules in the…
More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources
The Big Legal Lesson 2026 (ages 11-18+)
Join the UK’s biggest legal education campaign during February 2026. To access this content, register for our Secondary School Subscription.
Sentencing Guidelines (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson asks students to consider the key findings of a harassment trial and conclude what sentence should be given to the guilty party. During the course of the lesson…
Learning About the Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson gives students an introduction to the legal system in the UK. During the lesson students will examine the roles of the various professionals involved in the law and…
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
Economic Cycles
This free classroom resource explores what economic cycles are and how they impact our lives. Aimed at KS4 and Post-16, your students will: Understand the basic concept of economic cycles and key…
Magistrates’ Mock Trial Competition – Support Videos
Use the links below to jump to the right section Beginning of the trial Opening speech – Prosecution Examination-in-Chief of Prosecution Witness 1 #Cross-examination of Prosecution Witness 1 #Examination-in-Chief of…
Housing Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
In this lesson students explore a range of different housing situations someone can find themselves in. They examine some of the common legal issues concerning housing including common landlord and…