A2 Law
Teacher in charge of Subject
Mr M Parry
mparry@commonweal.co.uk
Overview
Taking Law at A-level could give you a head start on some of the skills and knowledge you’ll need at university. For example, you’ll get used to learning the details of cases, how these are applied in court and you’ll know detail about some elements of the Law that might come in handy later.
The syllabus gives you an overview of the legal system of England and Wales, the sources of law and areas of law, and the process involved in real cases. You will study both various areas of civil and criminal including Tort, focusing on the law of negligence, occupier’s liability, nuisance, and vicarious liability. Also, areas of criminal law including fatal and non-fatal offences against the person, property offences and defenses. This will give you a good foundation of knowledge and introduce you to some key concepts with Law.
But a good deal of time will also be spent on looking at various roles in the legal sector, such as how to become a solicitor and the requirements to become a magistrate. This will include many extra-curricular activities, and visiting speakers including barristers and magistrates. This will help when thinking about your future. So there’s a mixture of studying legal subjects, and learning about the legal sector & careers.
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Course Title
A2 Law
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Exam Board and Specification No.
AQA A Level: 7162
What do I need to have studied/have knowledge of?
No prior knowledge of the subject is required. The specifications build on, but do not depend on, the knowledge, understanding and skills specified for GCSE Law. It is recommended that candidates have attained communication and literacy skills at a level equivalent to GCSE grade 6 in English.
An interest in the law, and legal procedures and rules is key to success here. In addition to this a real determination to work through the vast content involved in law.
What will I learn on this course?
Year One
Law Making
- The rule of law
- Parliamentary Law-making
- Delegated Legislation
- Statutory Interpretation
- Judicial Precedent
- Law Reform
- European Union
The Legal System
- Civil courts and procedures
- Criminal court and procedures
- The Legal Profession including solicitors, barristers, magistrates, juries and judges.
- Access to justice and funding
- Sentencing
Liability
- Key principles of Criminal Liability
- Non-fatal offences
Law of Tort
- Liability in negligence
- Occupier’s Liability
- Court Procedures
- Damages and compensation
Extra topics in Year 2 (A Level)
Criminal Law
- Fatal offences
- Defences
- Attempts
- Evaluation of the defences.
- Offences against Property
- Theory in criminal law
Tort
- Nuisance
- Negligence
- Theory in Tort
Contract Law
- Contract law
- Theoretical ideas surrounding the law on these topics.
What key skills will I develop?
Being successful in law comes down to three things. Your knowledge, your skills, and your determination to succeed. You will need to develop an in-depth knowledge of many areas of the law. You will have to show how decisions in real historic legal cases might help you to decide upon verdicts in scenarios that you will be faced with. Knowledge doesn’t just need to be directly legal based; business, accounting and economics could help boost your knowledge of commercial law and should help you demonstrate commercial awareness.
A level specifications in law should encourage you to:
- develop and sustain your enjoyment of, and interest in, the subject
- develop your knowledge and understanding of selected areas of the law of England and Wales
- develop your understanding of legal methods and reasoning
- develop your techniques of logical thinking and the skills necessary to analyse and solve problems by applying legal rules
- develop your ability to communicate legal arguments and conclusions with reference to appropriate legal authority
- develop your critical awareness of the changing nature of law in society.
How will I be assessed?
A Level Exams (2years)
3 exams, two hours each
Paper 1:
- Criminal law: fatal offences, Non-fatal offences against the person, property offences, defences
- The English Legal System: Law making and the legal system
- Theory connected to criminal law
Paper 2:
- Tort: Negligence, nuisance and occupier’s liability
- The English Legal System: Law making and the legal system
- Theory connected to civil law of tort.
Paper 3:
- Contract: An in depth analysis of contract law
- Theory connected to Contract Law
What could this course lead to?
A Level Law provide an excellent preparation for the world of business, local government agencies, non-government agencies and continuing legal studies.
Additional events, trips or enrichment activities
There are many extracurricular opportunities in law. These including trips to local courts, the Old Bailey, Parliament and the Supreme Court, the Bar Mock Trial Competition, as well as visits from barristers, magistrates and more.
Are there any additional costs for this course?
No
Who do I contact if I have any further questions?
Mr Parry – mparry@commonweal.co.uk
