Law

A Level  

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO START THE COURSE

 6+ in GCSE English Language

6+ in one or both of GCSE English Literature or History

IS THIS COURSE FOR YOU?

Studying A-Level Law at LaSWAP will empower you to understand and critique the ideas and principles that shape and govern society. It will help you to develop and apply advanced critical thinking and problem solving skills, and ask you to consider some of the most important questions about justice, morality, and the way we live. To this end, we pursue the Human Rights option for Paper 3.

COURSE SPECIFICATION

In Year 12, we will focus on the content of Paper 1: The Nature of the Law and the English Legal System, and Criminal Law. This also covers 25% of Papers 2 and 3. 

Introduction to the English Legal System 

• The rule of law 
• Law making: statutory interpretation 
• Law making: judicial precedent 
• Access to justice and funding 
• Law and society 
• Law and justice 
• Law and morality 
• Introduction to criminal law 
• Concepts of criminal liability 
• Non-fatal offences 
• Murder and Voluntary Manslaughter
• Defences
• Remedies 

In Year 13, we will focus on the aspects of Papers 2 and 3 covering the Law of Tort, and Human Rights Law, as well as the remaining areas of Criminal Law: 

- Property offences and defences 

- Theft, robbery and duress 

- Torts: negligence, nuisance, and occupiers’ liability 

- Torts: vicarious liability, psychiatric harm, economic loss 

- The History of Human rights law 

- Human rights in international law 

- The Human Rights Act 1998 

LEARNING AND SKILLS

• Build critical thinking by analysing and evaluating complex legal scenarios. 
• Learn to apply legal principles to real-world situations, honing your problem-solving abilities. 
• Enhance your research skills as you must investigate case law, statutes, and legal precedent to build arguments. 
• Develop your communication skills through the development of concise and persuasive written and oral arguments. 
• Gain insight into ethical and moral considerations within the legal field, promoting a deeper understanding of justice and societal issues. 
• Learn the art of debate and discussion, fostering the ability to articulate and defend your viewpoint. 
• Craft clear and precise legal arguments and documents, enhancing your writing skills and attention to detail. 
• Learn to structure your  writing logically and coherently, a skill transferable to various professional contexts. 
• Undertake moot court exercises, where you work in teams to argue a case, fostering teamwork, cooperation, and the ability to present a unified legal argument. 
• Learn effective negotiation and mediation techniques. These skills are essential for resolving legal disputes and can be applied in various professions that require conflict resolution and consensus-building. 

EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT

 EXAM BOARD: AQA

FUTURE PROSPECTS

A-Level Law is a highly respected qualification amongst all universities and employers. Most obviously, students can use it to pursue future studies in law at an undergraduate level, and ultimately to enter into careers as lawyers, solicitors, barristers, or paralegals. In addition, the legal knowledge gained is valuable in administrative roles within law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies. 

Studying Law also equips students with transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, and effective communication. These skills are applicable in various professional contexts, including business, public service, education,  entrepreneurship, advocacy, or consulting roles.