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A-Level Law

Background information about studying Law

A-Level Law gives you an understanding of how the legal system works, and not just what the law is. It looks at the roles of the legal professionals (solicitors, barristers, judges and legal executives), as well as how laws are made. You will also be encouraged to apply the legal knowledge that you gain throughout the course to "problem questions" (scenarios) to explain the likely outcome of a particular case.

What can I expect from studying Law?

Difficulty

Law does have a large amount of material to read and digest, especially with respect to specific distinctions between cases that have come before the courts as, unsurprisingly, there is an exception to every rule! You will be expected to know and use case names where appropriate in your answers, and to strike a balance between conveying your understanding of what the law is, and merely describing what happened in a particular case.

Workload

The workload for A-Level Law can vary throughout the course; it increases as the exams draw nearer since practice at answering questions in the time allowed in the exam will undoubtedly be beneficial. You may be asked to summarise the decisions in cases or make notes in your own words on the approach that a judge took in reaching his conclusion. However, you will certainly be expected to read over your notes after each lesson to consolidate your knowledge, as with such a large amount of ground to cover between exams, you cannot afford to waste time by failing to keep up with your learning.

Comment: There isn't as much stuff (Knowledge) to learn as in other subjects so with a bit of revision you can learn the topics insideout. Then all you have to do is remember the cases that prove what you write in the exam which can be tricky if you don't have a great memory.

Required Individual Study

As stated above, reading over your notes between lessons is certainly desirable, if not vital, to succeed in A-Level Law. There isn't a set amount of individual study, and the amount that is undertaken may vary significantly between individuals in a class, but it is advisable to start attempting problem questions as soon as possible, in order to hone your writing style ready for the exam. This enables you to focus more on expanding what you know as the exam draws nearer.

How is it assessed?

Note that this information is correct for the AQA syllabus.

Law A-Level consists of two modules per year which are equally weighted (50% of AS; 25% of A2). All modules are exam based.

Exams

AS - the first unit considers how law is made, and looks at parliamentary law making, the interpretation of statutes, and the common law system of precedent. The legal system is also examined in depth, including forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), the civil and criminal courts, and the legal profession. The second unit covers Criminal Law, including the non-fatal offences against the person and the sentencing of offenders, as well as a choice between Contract Law and Tort Law.

A2 - the first paper provides candidates with a choice between Criminal Law, including offences against the person (homicide and the defences, non-fatal offences in greater depth), as well as offences against property (theft, robbery, burglary, fraud) and Contract Law.

Comment: Unlike most other subjects you virtually know the exact questions that will be on the exam as they are very smillar every year. So master the past papers and you will be fine.

Coursework

There is no coursework for AQA A-Level Law.

Practical

There is no practical for AQA A-Level Law.

Field trips and excursions

Trips the Houses of Parliament and the Old Bailey are the most frequent outings for A-Level Law students.

Where can I go with a Law A-Level

User Opinions

Username: HpFreak_Amy7192 (in A2 year studying AQA Law)

What I like about studying this subject:

It's always enjoyable discussing the cases that you will come across

It overlaps a lot with other subjects such as Politics (and sometimes History as well)

As long as you have revised well and know what you're talking about in the exams, it's fairly easy to get a good grade - in Unit 1 last year, about 80% of my class got an A

What I dislike about studying this subject:

Lots of cases to remember - index cards might help here, or after you've written about a case, try writing down that case in shorthand

If you're a slow writer, then you might be at a disadvantage in the exams

And another thing: you'll come across Lord Denning a fair bit, so perhaps read up a little on some of the cases he's decided before you start, and see whether you agree with the decisions of those cases.

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Also See

• The main A Level article
• A Level Revision Notes
• An A-Z of A-Level Subject Guides