How the legal system works

Fact checks about the legal systems work in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

14 December 2021

Laws can be made without a parliamentary vote, contrary to the health secretary’s claim

New Covid face mask rules, for example, came into force before Parliament voted on the matter.

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26 March 2021

Burnt-out police car in Bristol protests was not fake

An image of a burnt-out police car taken during protests in Bristol is not ‘a prop’

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18 February 2020

Justice spending is down 25% since 2010, not 40%

The government did announce a real terms reduction of 40% to the Ministry of Justice but ultimately reduced funding by 25% between 2010/11 and 2019/20.

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2 February 2018

How sweet is sixteen? Legal age limits in England and Wales

You’re legally a child until the age of 18, but the minimum legal age is 16 for some things.

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7 September 2017

The Tower Hamlets fostering case: should we trust the news or trust a judge?

Media reports suggested a white Christian girl was taken from her family and made to live with a family who didn't speak English. How do we find out if this is accurate?

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28 February 2017

The legal system, explained: the Family Court

The venue for legal disputes over marriage and children in England and Wales.

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19 December 2016

Intercepted evidence can’t be used in court

Concern that a new surveillance law permits prosecutors to lie in court about evidence from intercepted communications is misplaced.

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5 December 2016

How Supreme Court judges are chosen

Is the system for choosing UK Supreme Court justices “secretive and opaque”?

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12 July 2017

Ask Full Fact: the 'Great Repeal Bill'

A brief explanation of the Great Repeal Bill announced by the government in October 2016, as part of the process of leaving the European Union.

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30 September 2016

Are judges deciding whether the UK will leave the EU?

Judges are being asked to decide whether the government can trigger Article 50 without seeking the consent of Parliament.

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