The Judiciary and Understanding Laws: Class 8 Study Guide
Courts apply the law fairly to everyone. An independent judiciary protects our rights.
The judiciary is the system of courts. India has a single, connected system. The Supreme Court sits in New Delhi and is the highest court. Each state has a High Court, and below it are district courts and subordinate courts. A person who is unhappy with a decision can usually appeal to a higher court.
The judiciary settles disputes between people, between people and government, and between governments. It also checks that laws follow the Constitution.
Civil and criminal cases
| Kind | About | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Civil | Disputes over rights between people or groups | A land or tenancy dispute |
| Criminal | Acts that the law prohibits, such as theft | Theft or assault |
Why independence matters
An independent judiciary means that judges decide cases only by the law, not by pressure from the government or anyone else. This is essential for the rule of law, which means that everyone, including those in power, must obey the law. Anyone accused has the right to a fair trial, to a lawyer and to be treated as innocent until found guilty.
Civil or criminal.
With evidence.
By the law.
To a higher court.
Access to justice
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) lets a person or group go to court for the public good, for example on pollution or unsafe working conditions. Lok Adalats help to settle disputes by agreement, which is quicker and cheaper. Legal aid exists for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: Where is the Supreme Court? In New Delhi. Example: Is a dispute over a will civil or criminal? Civil. Common mistakes: thinking that a High Court is the highest court, and thinking that courts make laws. They interpret and apply them.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. The Supreme Court. 2. Criminal. 3. A case brought to court for the public good.
✨ Key Takeaways
- India has a connected system of courts.
- Civil cases are disputes; criminal cases concern prohibited acts.
- An independent judiciary upholds the rule of law.
- A person can appeal to a higher court.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Name the highest court in India.
- Is theft a civil or a criminal case?
- What is a PIL?