ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the legal framework for social work in England. The purpose is to give an overview of the major structures and principles as they relate to social work policy and practice. The governmental systems are different in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland (the Welsh Assembly Government, the Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly), but subject to the overall sovereignty of the UK Parliament in London. The judicial system is the same for England and Wales (‘English law’), but different in Scotland and Northern Ireland; but the highest court of appeal for all the systems (except Scottish criminal law) is the UK Supreme Court in London. Despite the differences, the key distinctions to be discussed in this chapter are essential in all the countries. These are the differences between statute law and case law, and the European dimensions of each; law and guidance; criminal law and civil law; and powers and duties. The chapter also considers the principles of lawful decision-making by public authorities.
