Chapter 11 of 32 · Updated for 2026

The Legal System: practice questions

Ten Life in the UK test questions on The Legal System, each checked against the official handbook and set in the four formats the real test uses. Pick your answer, then tap Show the answer to see why.

1. One answer

   1. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, where are most minor criminal cases dealt with?

   • AA Crown Court
   • BA County Court
   • CA Magistrates' Court
   • DThe High Court
   Show the answer

   C: A Magistrates' Court

   Most minor criminal cases are heard in a Magistrates' Court. In Scotland they go to a Justice of the Peace Court.

2. One answer

   2. In Scotland, which system deals with children and young people who have committed an offence?

   • AThe Youth Conferencing System
   • BThe Juvenile Magistrates' Court
   • CThe Children's Hearings System
   • DThe Court of Session in Edinburgh
   Show the answer

   C: The Children's Hearings System

   Scotland uses the Children's Hearings System. Northern Ireland uses youth conferencing, and England and Wales use Youth Courts.

3. True or false

   3. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?

   If they are married, both parents in the UK are equally responsible for their children.

   • ATrue
   • BFalse
   Show the answer

   A: True

   Married mothers and fathers have equal responsibility for their children under UK law.

4. One answer

   4. Which of these is true of a Youth Court?

   • ACases are always heard by a jury of 12 people chosen from the local area
   • BThe public are not allowed in, and the young person's name cannot be published
   • CHearings are open to the public and are often broadcast on television
   • DParents and carers are not allowed to attend or to speak at the hearing
   Show the answer

   B: The public are not allowed in, and the young person's name cannot be published

   Youth Courts are closed to the public and the media cannot publish the accused's name or photograph. Parents or carers are expected to attend.

5. Choose TWO answers

   5. Which TWO rights do men and women in the UK have equally?

   • AThe right to refuse to pay tax
   • BThe right to own property
   • CThe right to avoid jury service
   • DThe right to divorce
   Show the answer

   B: The right to own property
   D: The right to divorce

   Men and women have equal rights to work, own property, marry and divorce.

6. One answer

   6. What does the law say about driving without motor insurance?

   • AIt is allowed for short journeys
   • BIt is a civil matter between you and the insurer
   • CIt is a serious criminal offence
   • DIt is allowed if the car is under three years old
   Show the answer

   C: It is a serious criminal offence

   You must have valid motor insurance. Driving without it is a serious criminal offence.

7. Which statement is correct

   7. Which of these statements is correct?

   • AYou must be 16 or over to buy alcohol in a night club.
   • BYou must be 18 or over to buy alcohol in a night club.
   Show the answer

   B: You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol in a night club.

   The minimum age to buy alcohol in a pub or night club is 18.

8. One answer

   8. What name is given to judges as a group?

   • AThe legislature
   • BThe executive
   • CThe magistracy
   • DThe judiciary
   Show the answer

   D: The judiciary

   Judges are together called the judiciary. They interpret the law and make sure trials are fair.

9. True or false

   9. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?

   In Scotland, young people who have committed an offence are dealt with through a system of youth conferencing.

   • ATrue
   • BFalse
   Show the answer

   B: False

   False. Scotland uses the Children's Hearings System. Youth conferencing is used in Northern Ireland.

10. One answer

    10. Which of these is NOT one of the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights listed in the handbook?

    • ARight to liberty and security
    • BProhibition of torture
    • CRight to a fair trial
    • DRight to a free university place
    Show the answer

    D: Right to a free university place

    The Convention protects rights such as life, liberty, a fair trial and freedom from torture. It does not give a right to a free university place.

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