Why choose this subject?
You are interested in current affairs; you enjoy reading and want to know more about the English Legal system and the Criminal Justice system. You enjoy being challenged intellectually, you have a logical mind and the ability to solve complex problems and have the skill of essay writing.
Entry requirements:
Ideally you will have a B in English. C grade in English is the absolute minimum requirement. Good grades in History, Science and Maths are also useful.
Combine this course with:
Oxford University states that “Law is a subject with which almost any combination of A’ level subjects are appropriate. A’ Level Law is regarded in the same light as any other A level subject. Ideally, you will combine Law with one essay based subject (English, History, and Drama) and one logic based subject (Maths, Science, Economics).
Some ideal background subjects are useful if you wish to pursue Law further, for example a modern language gives you a huge advantage if you combine this with a Law degree at university. You will also have the added bonus of spending a year in a European country. Chemistry with Law could allow you to apply for a degree in Forensic Science. “A forensic scientist must be able to present results to a non-scientific audience under stressful conditions in a court of law”. Other career routes are given below:
Essential if you go on to:
Journalism, the Civil Service, Diplomacy, Business and Management areas, Law, Teaching.
Latest News
AQA exam news: New style A2 exams from 2010
News items (Extracted from the Times) :
26/01/09 – Cannabis is reclassified from class C to Class B drug
20/02/09 – Court of Appeal decision – it is still illegal to assist suicide
25/02/09 - Jack Straw, in ruling against the release of cabinet minutes relating to the UK's going to war in Iraq, has violated a key principle of the British constitution, according to Prof. Slapper (Times)
Outside the classroom
We believe that enrichment opportunities can be gained outside the classroom through scheduled visits to the local Magistrate and Crown Courts. Students are given the opportunity to visit and observe Magistrates and chat with them. Visits to The Houses of Parliament enable students to
Open days at Barristers Chambers allow selected students to.
Support for your learning
Do you see yourself as a barrister, solicitor, and legal executive or legal secretary? Or do you just have a general interest in law. Do you believe in the statement that a robust legal system is the foundation of a fair society? Do you want to know more about the concepts of Justice and equality?
The study of law helps develop the learner’s analytical ability and critical thinking. It also develops problem- solving skills through applying legal rules.
A Level law helps you to think in a very logical way. You will therefore learn: - The logic behind legal thinking.
Get an overview of civil and criminal law
Understand how and why laws are made
Find out more about your own rights and responsibilities
Many thanks to Dilwoar Hussain (12D) for his fantastic contribution to Law. You can find a copy of his Key cases review in the library and you can now visit his law web page at http://www.loxfordlaw.co.uk
Law students can access the following websites to enhance their knowledge of law:
Media sites:
What you will learn in KS5
AS Level LAW
Exam board: AQA – Unit 1 LAW01
Section A – Law Making
Y12 students will learn about all forms of Parliamentary Law Making, Delegated legislation. The process of statutory interpretation and Judicial Precedent.
Section B- The Legal System
Students will learn the civil and criminal courts. Alternative Dispute Resolution, Lay people – Magistrates and Juries, the Legal profession and other sources of advice and funding and finally The Judiciary.
Unit 2 LAW02 – The Concept of Liability
Section A
Introduction to criminal liability – elements of a crime and non-fatal offences, The Courts, procedure and Sentencing.
Section B
Introduction to Tort – Liability in Negligence, The Courts: Procedure and Damages
Y12 Students sit exams in January and June
A2 Level LAW
Exam Board AQA - Unit 3 LAW 03 Criminal Law (Offences against the Person)
Y13 students will study substantive criminal law, namely, Fatal and non-fatal offences against the person, a range of defences and will have to complete a critical evaluation of the offences.
Unit 4 LAW04 – Criminal Law (Offences against Property) and Concepts of Law
Y13 students will study a range of property offences and defences.
Students will then have to learn Concepts of law such as Law and Morals, Law and Justice, Fault, Judicial Creativity and Balancing conflicting interests.
Y13 students will sit exams in January and June