Law

Law at AS and A level is designed to give you a grounding in how the English legal system works today. The content is not dissimilar to that which you would cover at the start of a Law degree at university, although as you would expect it is pitched at a slightly lower level.

Who does it suit?

No previous knowledge of law is required to study Law at AS level or beyond. The subject is therefore suited to anyone who will find the material interesting. Obviously, if you think you might wish to pursue a career in Law, it might be a good subject to choose, although it is not necessary (or even an advantage) to have studied Law at A level in order to study the subject at university. To be successful at Law you need to have an analytical and accurate mind, which is capable of learning information and explaining it with precision and clarity. You also need to be able to analyse and interpret information and to write coherent, logical essays. In general, the AS material is more concerned with knowledge and understanding of a considerable amount of factual information, whereas at A2 the focus is more on interpretation and application of your knowledge. It combines with almost any other subject at A level, but it clearly ties in well, in terms of skills and aptitudes, with other humanities and social science subjects.

The AS

In the first year all students study three core units:

¨ Unit 1: Law Making. This Unit includes the study of European Law as well as the Legislative process within the UK, how Laws are interpreted by the judges, the system of judicial precedent and influences on Law reform.

¨ Unit 2: Dispute Solving. This Unit covers the court structure including powers, jurisdiction and appeal processes. The differences between Solicitors and Barristers, the use of laypeople in the English Legal system including Juries and Magistrates. The Unit also covers alternative methods of solving disputes, the selection appointment and role of the Judges and ways of funding court cases.

¨ Unit 3: The Concept of Liability. This Unit introduces students to both Criminal and Tort (Civil) Law. Different levels of assault are researched and applied to scenario situations, mock court room trials are used to aid student presentation skills and application of legal theory to problem scenarios. As a branch of civil law the Tort of Negligence will be investigated. Remedies available to those claiming negligence will be investigated including the use of compensation and injunctions. Finally punishment within the criminal justice system will be covered including sentencing procedures aggravating and mitigating factors considered by the Courts before sentencing.

The A2

In the second part of the course (A2) students choose one of three areas to study in more depth as well as a final compulsory A2 module. These are: Criminal Law; The Law of Contract; The Law of Tort and Concepts of Law (Jurisprudence). These are studied both in theory and through case studies.

Exam strategy

Students are entered for one AS module in January of the first year of study and two modules in June. In the second year, there will be opportunity to re-sit any AS units that need improving in the January session as well as one A2 module. The last A2 modules will be undertaken in June.

The Department

Law is a relatively small subject in terms of student numbers at d’Overbroeck’s. However, we are very fortunate to have the services of Paula Chorlton, a highly qualified and experienced part-time teacher, who has an excellent track record of making the subject interesting and accessible, as well as securing good results. If you study Law you will probably be taught in a small group with two or three other students, allowing a great deal of the type of interaction and discussion of ‘real life’ legal issues that make the subject come alive.

Higher Education

Law is obviously a relevant and useful A level for anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in Law, or studying it at university. However, the skills involved make it a strong preparation for any course involving social sciences or humanities.