Law (AS/A level)

Specific Entry Criteria

Grade B in English Language and a grade B in a traditional Humanities subject (for example GCSE History).

About the Subject

A new subject to most, Law offers an insight to the workings of the English Legal System.

Some choose the subject intending to study it at University, some to complement other subject choices and others simply out of curiosity.

Whichever is the case, the course offers an interesting and often challenging view of English law. Although not essential, an interest in (or awareness of) current affairs is helpful.

Course Content

Year 1

The first unit studied at AS is The Concept of Liability. It introduces substantive legal matters in both criminal and civil law; criminal law covers assault, battery, ABH and GBH, whilst civil law provides an opportunity to study either tort or contract law. This unit also introduces a new style of exam questions – the problem question – where students must advise a character who finds him/herself faced with a legal difficulty

In the second unit (Law Making and the Legal System), students study the foundations of the English Legal System, including the fundamental differences between criminal and civil law. The unit covers Parliament’s role in law making as well as key concepts within the English Legal System such as Judicial Precedent and Statutory Interpretation.

Also within this unit are topics such as the courts and the people who work within them: judges, solicitors, barristers, juries and lay magistrates. Each class will have the opportunity to attend the Magistrates and Crown Court in Leeds during this unit to observe the court in action and to participate in a Q&A session with lay magistrates and a Circuit Judge in the Crown Court..

Year 2

A2 Law may provide a choice: an entirely ‘criminal’ year or a ‘civil’ year. Unit 3 on Criminal Law focuses on offences against the person (murder, manslaughter and assaults) whilst those choosing Contract Law will learn how to make, and the effects of breaking, contracts.

The final of the four units is Criminal Law or Tort and Concepts of Law. Having chosen Criminal Law at unit 3, students continue with offences against property (theft, robbery and burglary). Those having completed Contract Law at Unit 3 now turn their attention to Tort, covering topics such as negligence, occupiers’ liability and nuisance. Whilst criminal law is popular amongst those wishing to join the police or enter the legal profession, the civil law option is often considered by those seeking employment or aiming to study to a higher level in Business, Management or Finance/Accounting.

In both options, students continue to build upon the knowledge and skills gained during the AS year (especially problem solving), and will have the opportunity to participate in visits relevant to their chosen option, as well as in a Mock Trial competition.

Assessment

All four units are assessed by examination, with either essay or problem-style questions. Unit 2 is examined in January, unit 1 in June. In year 2, both options for unit 3 will be examined in January. Unit 4, examined in June, contains an essay-based synoptic section, where all students complete the same study of Law & Morals, Law & Justice and Fault.