The Police andThe Law

The police are a constituted body of persons empowered by a state, with the aim to enforce the law, to ensure the safety, health, and possessions of citizens, and to prevent crime and civil disorder.Their lawful powers include arrest and the use of force legitimized by the state via the monopoly on violence.

Common Law System:The United Kingdom follows a common law legal system, which relies on case law and precedents set by previous court decisions alongside statutory law. Statutory Law: Laws are enacted by Parliament through the passing of legislation.Acts of Parliament, also known as statutes or laws, are primary sources of legislation in the UK. Legal Precedents: Decisions made by higher courts serve as precedents for lower courts to follow in similar cases.The principle of stare decisis ensures consistency and predictability in the legal system. Court System:The court system in the UK consists of several levels.The Supreme Court is the highest court and is responsible for interpreting laws, ensuring their compatibility with the UK's constitutional framework. Below the Supreme Court are the Court ofAppeal, High Court, and various specialized courts.