Law
Law
A Level Law is a rigorous and fascinating subject that gives you an in-depth understanding of how the legal system in England and Wales works, and how law impacts everyday life.
It's not just about memorising rules; it's about developing critical thinking, analysis, and persuasive argument skills by applying legal principles to real-life scenarios.
Entry Requirements
Grade 4 at GCSE History.
If you have not studied History to GCSE Level, a grade 4 in either English Literature or Language is required.
What will I Study?
The course is split into the following major components:
1. The English Legal System (ELS):
Law Making: How laws are created by Parliament and the role of judges in shaping the law.
The Courts: The structure of the civil and criminal courts.
Legal Personnel: The different roles within the system, such as Judges, Barristers, Solicitors, and Lay People.
Justice and Society: Exploring the rule of law, access to justice, and the philosophical links between law, justice, and morality.
2. Criminal Law:
General Principles: The core elements of a crime: actus reus (the guilty act) and mens rea.
Fatal Offences: Murder and Manslaughter.
Non-Fatal Offences: Assault, Battery, Actual Bodily Harm, and Grievous Bodily Harm.
Property Offences: Theft and Robbery.
Defences: What a defendant can argue to avoid liability, such as self-defence, intoxication, or loss of control.
3. The Law of Tort (Civil Law):
Negligence: The most common area, focusing on establishing a duty of care, a breach of that duty, and causation of damage).
Specific Torts: Such as Occupier's Liability.
Remedies: What happens when a claim succeeds, usually financial compensation.
Which exam board is used and how will I be assessed?
Exam board AQA.
Three 2 hour written exams at the end of the course.
Where could this subject take me?
Solicitor:
Path: Law degree (LLB) → Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) → 2 years of qualifying work experience.
Work: Advising clients, drafting contracts, representing clients in lower courts, and negotiating settlements.
Employers: Law firms, corporations, government, charities.
Barrister:
Path: Law degree (LLB) → Bar course → Pupillage (1 year).
Work: Advocacy (court representation), legal opinions, and courtroom strategy.
Employers: Self-employed (chambers) or public bodies like the CPS.
Legal Executive / Paralegal:
Path: Legal apprenticeship qualification.
Work: Supporting lawyers, preparing documents, conducting research, handling case files.
Employers: Law firms, local authorities, companies.
Judge / Magistrate (later career):
Path: Usually after working as a barrister or solicitor for several years.
Work: Presiding over court cases and ensuring justice is served impartially.
How can I get ahead in this subject
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