History GCSE
The illusion of legality
What The illusion of legality means in History GCSE, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definition of The illusion of legality
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain The illusion of legality in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: Pearson Edexcel
The trials appeared to be legal proceedings, but the verdicts were predetermined and confessions were extracted through torture.
Topics that use The illusion of legality
- Option 30: Key topic 3: Stalin’s rise to power and dictatorship, 1924–41 - 2 The use of terror in the 1930s (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Dictatorship and control
- Elimination of opposition
- Gulag
- Military vulnerability
- NKVD
- Political manipulation and propaganda
- Political terror
- State terror
Using The illusion of legality in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
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