Law

Course summary

Do criminals escape justice? When can you use self-defence? If you find money can you keep it? Are judges too lenient in sentencing the guilty? Should the law concerning murder be reformed? How can I claim compensation if I am injured? Can I get my money back if I buy a faulty product? Does the law reflect morality? Law is a vital part of our society and affects all our lives. In some form or other, it is always in the news. If you are interested in finding answers to these questions and developing your knowledge and analytical skills then Law is the choice for you. You will explore how the legal system works, which will include how laws are made, how judges apply them in court; and what factors are considered when punishing those who break the law. You will also analyse problems with this system and the issues that can arise. You will gain a detailed knowledge of specific areas of English Law. You will be able to determine if someone is likely to be found guilty of crimes such as murder and manslaughter; discuss if someone has negligently injured another or damaged their property; consider if valid contracts exist and what remedies can be sought if there is a breach. You will also consider broader issues such as whether the law is truly based on ideas such as justice or morality. Since 2017, the course has become linear, meaning it is assessed after the full two years. The exam papers include: Paper 1: The role of different courts in the English legal system as well as the people involved in these such as juries and magistrates. Paper 1 also involves analysis of crimes such as the fatal and non-fatal offences, property offences, and possible defences, such as self-defence and consent. Paper 2: How laws can be made and who makes them. Paper 2 also involves the law of tort - covering situations like negligence, nuisance disputes between neighbours, occupier’s liability and vicarious liability. Paper 3: What is the purpose of the law? Is it to provide justice? To enforce morality? To control society? Or is there some other purpose? Paper 3 also involves discussing contract law. This includes the problems with forming a contract, the terms in a contract and whether that contract can be discharged.