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Fundamentals of the UK Constitution: Introduction to Law for Non-lawyers

Discover how the UK constitution shapes law, government, and justice. Gain the legal knowledge to navigate it with confidence.

the blindfolded goddess of justice against a flag of the United Kingdom

Fundamentals of the UK Constitution: Introduction to Law for Non-lawyers

  • 4 weeks

  • 2 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    4 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
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    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

Develop a solid understanding of the UK legal system

Gain confidence in your understanding of the UK legal system with this four-week course from the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX).

This is part of a series of courses designed with non-lawyers in mind. You’ll gain an understanding of the UK Constitution, legislative power, executive authority, and the judiciary. You’ll also gain insights into the legal profession’s unique culture and terminology, helping you confidently navigate legal discussions.

Explore the foundations of the UK constitution

You’ll start by examining the key principles of the UK constitution, including parliamentary sovereignty, the rule of law, and the separation of powers.

Comparing the UK’s unwritten constitution with written constitutions around the world, you’ll analyse its historical and political influences.

Diving into legislative power, you’ll explore the roles of the House of Commons and House of Lords to understand how bills become law and the impact of primary and secondary legislation.

You’ll then examine the executive branch, including the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and civil service. Through this exploration, you’ll understand how government ministers interact with the Crown and how the Ministerial Code ensures accountability.

Unpack judicial power and the role of case law

Finally, you’ll explore the judiciary’s role in the legal system. This will help you understand how judges interpret laws, set precedents, and maintain judicial independence.

Through real-world examples, you’ll assess how court decisions shape the legal landscape and why a diverse, independent judiciary is vital for democracy.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Nature of the UK Constitution

    • Introduction

      Welcome to the course.

    • The nature of constitutions

      Why does a nation need a constitution? Essentially, a set of rules and guiding principles are required in complex modern societies.

    • Sources of the UK constitution

      The UK’s constitution derives from many different sources.

    • The key principles of the UK constitution

      The fundamental principles of the UK constitution are parliamentary sovereignty, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. They are not laws as such, though they may impact on legal rules and legal rules may impact upon them.

    • Summary and confidence check

      9 key points relating to the UK constitution. Check your confidence in understanding this topic.

    • Knowledge check

      Now for a quick quiz to check your understanding.

  • Week 2

    Legislative Power

    • The location of legislative power: Parliament

      The key function of the legislature is to make laws. The UK Parliament in Westminster, London, passes laws which affect all four countries in the UK: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

    • Primary legislation

      Primary legislation is the term used to describe the main laws which are passed by the legislative bodies in England and Wales.

    • The creation of an Act of Parliament

      We will consider first the procedure in the House of Commons followed by the procedure in the House of Lords. Many Government Bills commence in the House of Lords and are then considered by the House of Commons.

    • Secondary legislation

      Secondary legislation is legislation which provides the detail of how the Acts of Parliament will operate. It is sometimes called delegated legislation because it is less important than Acts of Parliament.

    • Summary and confidence check

      15 key points relating to legislative power. Check your confidence in understanding this topic.

    • Knowledge check

      Now for a quick quiz to check your understanding.

  • Week 3

    Executive Power

    • Introduction

      Key terms and confidence check.

    • The Prime Minister

      The Prime Minister is the head of government in the United Kingdom. In constitutional terms, the Prime Minister is appointed by the monarch, and the choice is his. 

    • The Cabinet

      The Cabinet comprises the Prime Minister and other senior ministers (most heading government departments) appointed by the King upon the advice of the Prime Minister.

    • The Civil Service

      The day-to-day functions of departments are exercised by civil servants.

    • Accountability

      There are various political mechanisms through which the executive is held to account.

    • Summary and confidence check

      12 key points relating to executive power. Check your confidence in understanding this topic.

    • Knowledge check

      Now for a quick quiz to check your understanding.

  • Week 4

    Judicial Power

    • Introduction

      The role of the judge and case names.

    • The hierarchy of the courts

      In order to understand how case law operates, it is essential to be aware of the relative importance of the different courts.

    • Ratio decidendi and obiter dicta

      In later cases, the judges will review the earlier judgment and seek to identify the ratio decidendi and the obiter dicta.

    • Judicial independence and impartiality

      Judges must be independent from the parties to a case. This is to ensure that a judge can act as a neutral arbiter. A judge should be impartial in a dispute, and free from bias. 

    • Summary and confidence check

      10 key points relating to judicial power. Check your confidence in understanding this topic.

    • Knowledge check

      Now for a quick quiz to check your understanding.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore the basics of the UK constitution and reflect on why we need them.
  • Explain the composition, relationship and functions of the two Houses of Parliament and how legislation is created.
  • Describe the role of government, ministers, and civil servants, and the relationship between the Crown and government ministers.
  • Assess the significance of case law and how the interlocking body of past court decisions is used by judges in subsequent cases.
  • Evaluate the role of judges and the importance of an independent and diverse judiciary.

Who is the course for?

This course is part of a series for professionals in law-adjacent roles such as HR and legal services who want a clearer understanding of the legal system in United Kingdom. It’s also ideal for those returning to law after a career break.

What software or tools do you need?

None

Who will you learn with?

Who developed the course?

CILEX Logo

Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX)

CILEX believes in creating more accessible opportunities to build careers in the legal profession.

By providing a range of flexible routes to qualification, campaigning for better working permissions for CILEX legal professionals, as well as ongoing support and representation for members post-qualification, CILEX is working to build a more inclusive legal sector which ultimately delivers a better service for clients.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$79/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 27 Mar 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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