Law

Overview
Law affects virtually all aspects of our lives and regulates much of our every day activity. During the first year of the course students will study how laws come into being, learn about the roles of people involved in administering the law and study some criminal and civil law. In the second year students will have the opportunity to study criminal law in more detail and the concepts of morality and justice. For both the AS and A level course students will use knowledge acquired to answer essay questions and apply the law to case scenarios. Success in the subject will require students to take an interest in current legal affairs, to read widely and write in a clear and concise manner. A good memory is essential because there are a lot of cases to remember.  A commitment to progress your study outside the classroom must also be assumed.

Course Outline
AS Level
Unit 1: Law Making and the Legal System
• The way law is made by Parliament and other bodies.
• The roles of the different people within the legal system.
• The way judges interpret Acts of Parliament
• Judges, judicial precedent and delegated legislation.
Unit 2: The Concept of Liability
• An introduction to criminal liability and the offences of
  assault, battery and grievous bodily harm, together with
  sentences a defendant may receive.
• An introduction to negligence and the compensation a
  claimant may receive.

A2 Level
Unit 3: Criminal Law
• The offences of murder, manslaughter and defences
  which could be raised.
• An evaluation of the law and possible reform.
Unit 4: Criminal Law/Tort and Concepts of Law
• A continuation of criminal law or tort law.
• An examination of morality, justice and fault in our legal
  system.

Assessment
No Coursework
Examination (100%)
Examining Board – AQA.

Special Entry Requirements
None.

Prohibited Options
None.

Career and Progression Opportunities
Law is one of the most marketable academic qualifications. It is recognised by institutions of Higher Education and complements History, Politics, Social Science and Business related courses. Apart from the obvious careers of solicitor or barrister law students are well liked by industry, commerce and local government and will be found  working in retail management, publishing, journalism,  the police force, social services and teaching.

Complementary Subjects or Enrichment Courses
A Level Law will combine with a range of advanced level courses to support non-law based progression routes. Law will complement business courses which include an element of Law and Government and Politics which is the foundation of law making.  English, Politics and History have traditionally been seen as desirable because of the skills they develop. Mathematics and science subjects can also be studied with A level Law, and encourage a reasoned and logical approach.

Cost Implications
The College Learning Centre subscribes to the Law Review, written by teachers, for students of A Level Law.  Students will be expected to read the Law Review regularly and this can be purchased at a discounted rate through the College. Students will be provided with access to appropriate textbooks and learning materials, there is no expectation for the purchase of textbooks.

Other Information
A study visit to both the magistrates and crown courts is an opportunity to develop a better understanding of how the law is used and applied in practice.

This information is correct for September 2012 entry.