Law
Staff
Subject leader: Mr Knox
Intent
Studying law offers the opportunity to develop a range of skills and explore many aspects of human life. It gives you the chance to sharpen your mind, strengthen your understanding and deepen your experience across the full range of the law- Criminal, Negligence and Human Rights. You acquire both breadth of understanding and depth in the areas that interest you most.
Law should therefore appeal to those who want to develop both abstract thinking and practical problem-solving. It’s easy to see why you don’t have to become a lawyer just because you’ve done A Level law; many choose other paths. A level Law can give you the skills to be a successful lawyer but also a successful producer, politician, manager, journalist, diplomat or police officer; A level Law equips you for almost any profession that requires intellectual strength combined with a practical approach to the world.
Studying Law gives students an understanding of the role of Law in today's society and raises their awareness of the rights and responsibilities of individuals. By learning about legal rules and how and why they apply to real life, students also develop their analytical ability, decision making, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. All these skills are highly sought after by higher education and employers. If you feel strongly about concepts like justice and equality, then this A Level course could be very rewarding for you. Law affects every part of our daily lives for instance, driving a car, buying something in a shop or being employed. Law offers a career in which your work makes an impact in the world around you and offers a career in which you can directly see the consequences of your work.
Learning journeys
Yr12- APC2 - We start by learning about how laws are created and enforced in the UK. ‘The Nature of Law and the English Legal System An introduction as to how laws are created. A study into delegated legislation and statutory interpretation. A look at criminal and civil law, sentencing and the Law itself.
Yr12- APC3 - Criminal Law Students will gain an understanding of how our criminal system works, using case examples to understand non-fatal offences (assault/ battery) murder, manslaughter. Students will also look at defences available- capacity and necessity defences.
Yr12- APC4 - Consolidation of Criminal law- Development of above with the addition of Theft, Robbery and attempt as well as the defences available (duress)
Yr13- APC1 - Tort- the rules of Tort Law (negligence), liability for loss and potential injury. Nuisance laws and Occupiers Liability rules. A consideration of possible defences and remedies available in Tort Law.
Yr13- APC2 - Legal Concepts. We look at the relationship between law and morals, law and society and Law and Justice. These concepts are generally controversial.
Yr13- APC3 - Human Rights- rights contrasted with liberties. Human rights in the UK before the 1998 Act and after it. Issues surrounding right to life, right to freedom of expression, family life. Looking at the tricky balance between freedom of speech and privacy and hate speech and public interest. The understanding that all rights have ‘limits’, although you have the right to offend, shock and disturb… you don’t have to use it.
Knowledge organisers
Each of the sections covered: English legal system, Criminal Law, Tort, Human rights and Legal concepts comes with a knowledge organiser. This has key concepts, definitions and legal precedent (cases).
Specifications
View the spec here - AQA | A-level | Law | Specification at a glance
There are three exams involving short and long answers, scenarios and multichoice. Each exam has a difference focus from the topic in it. The other parts of the exams include:
Exam 1 - The nature of Law and the English Legal System: Criminal Law 2 Hours 33% of A Level Combination of multi choice, short and long answer questions.
Exam 2 - The nature of Law and the English Legal System: Tort 2 Hours 33% of A Level Combination of multi choice, short and long answer questions.
Exam 3 - The nature of Law and the English Legal System: Human Rights 2 Hours 33% A Level Combination of multi choice, short and long answer questions.