Law

What are the entry requirements?

5 GCSEs at A* – C including (usually) at least a grade B in English Language.

Course Outline

AS:

Unit 1: 1251: understanding legal values structures and processes

Unit 2: 1252: understanding legal reasoning personnel and methods

A2:

Unit 3: 1253: understanding substantive law – criminal law and justice

Unit 4: 1254: understanding context: freedom, the state and the individual – criminal law and justice

How will I be assessed?

Two written, externally assessed examinations are taken at the end of each year.

As:

Unit 1: 2 hour written paper. Section A: Candidates are required to answer at least two questions from a choice of five essay-based questions to demonstrate knowledge, analysis and evaluation. Section B: Candidates are required to answer at least one question from a choice of two application-style questions to demonstrate knowledge and application skills. Candidates answer four questions all together.

Unit 2: 1 hour written paper. This question paper is based on the English legal system and consists of two source-based questions involving analysis, explanation or legal reasoning. Candidates answer one question.

A2:

Unit 3: 11/2hour written paper: candidates answer two problem questions from a choice of four.

Unit 4: 21/2 hour written paper. This paper has two sections. Section A: Candidates answer two out of four essay based questions. Section B: Candidates choose one stimulus response question from a choice of two relating to criminal law and justice.

What will I study?

Unit 1 : Looks at law and morality, The rule of law, common law and equity, criminal and civil procedure and alternative dispute resolution.

Unit 2: Looks at magistrates, judges, the legal profession, law reform, judicial precedent, statutory interpretation and European law.

Units 3 and 4: Look at elements of crime, homicide, non –fatal offences against the person, general defences to crimes, strict liability offences, sentencing, police powers and complaints against the police.

Where can it lead me?

A level Law is relevant to most aspects of everyday life and any legal knowledge will be useful whether you continue with your studies or enter employment. It gives a thorough foundation for those intending to study Law (though not obligatory for Law at university). Law provides an excellent academic and skills base for a wide range of university courses and careers. Law students have gone into a range of areas including law, journalism, research, management, public relations and teaching.