England & Wales share one legal system; Scotland and Northern Ireland each have separate systems
Related questions (3)
Which of the following statements about the UK legal system is TRUE?
The whole UK uses one legal system
England and Wales share one system; Scotland and Northern Ireland each have separate systems
Each of the four nations has its own completely different system
Scotland uses the same system as England
Explanation
England and Wales share one legal system. Scotland has its own distinct system (including a "not proven" verdict). Northern Ireland has a separate system similar to England and Wales. So there are three systems, not one or four.
Does Scotland have the same legal system as England?
Yes, they share the same system
No, Scotland has its own separate legal system
Scotland uses international law instead
Scotland has no formal legal system
Explanation
Scotland has its own distinct legal system, separate from England and Wales. It has different court structures and some unique legal principles, such as the "not proven" verdict.
What unique verdict exists in Scottish criminal law that does not exist in England?
Guilty with mitigating circumstances
Not proven
Partially guilty
Conditionally not guilty
Explanation
Scottish criminal law has three possible verdicts: guilty, not guilty, and "not proven." The "not proven" verdict is unique to Scotland and effectively acquits the defendant, though it carries a stigma.