Law - Fast Track A Level

Law is both a fascinating and challenging subject. It affects every aspect of our daily lives. It is an ideal subject for someone with a logical mind, who likes research and attention to detail. AS/A2 Law generally is a very popular subject with both sixth form students who may be considering a career in law and also with more mature students who want to find out more about this intriguing subject.

Law can be a challenging subject, it has its own terminology which has to be learned and new terminology is explained in a clear and logical manner throughout the course with appropriate references to the text book. Also, learning case law can be challenging. Case law consists of cases previously decided in courts of Law. It is important that the facts of these cases are learned as they will have to be known for examinations. It is better to learn these as the course progresses.

Syllabus

AS LAW

UNIT 1

Section A

1.Introduction to law – considers what Law is, different types of law and how to study law
Assignment A
2.Parliamentary law making – looking at Acts of Parliament
3.Delegated legislation
4.Statutory interpretation – the wording of Acts of Parliament
Assignment B
5.Judicial precedent – considering how judges make law in Courts
Assignment C

Section B

6.The Civil Courts and other forms of dispute Resolution – how an action is brought in County Court
7.Criminal Courts and Lay people – looking at Magistrates and Juries
Assignment D
8.Legal profession and other sources f advice and funding. The Judiciary – considering training of solicitors, barristers and judges.
Assignment E

UNIT 2

Section A

1.Criminal Liability – Actus Reus, mens rea and intention – what constitutes a crime?
2.Common Assault, Assault and battery, Offences against the person and strict liability
Assignment F
3.The Criminal Courts: – Magistrates Court and Crown Court, types of offences
4.Trial procedure, bail, the plea. Outline of evidence, burden of proof
5.Sentencing aims – what is the purpose of sanctions and imprisonment in criminal matters?
Assignment G

Section B

6.Introduction to Tort –negligence, duty of care, breach of duty and damages
Assignment H
7.The Civil Courts, trial procedure. The three track procedures, Alternative Dispute resolution, evidential issues
Assignment I

Section C

8.An introduction to Law of contract – formation and breach of Contract – looking at contracts which are made everyday.
Assignment J

A2 LAW

The biggest difficulty is the required learning of the many cases. The course makes suggestions for learning these and explains cases in a straightforward way.

UNIT 3

Section A: Criminal Law

1.Murder - the mens rea and actus reus – mental intent and physical act of committing the crime
2.Voluntary Manslaughter, Involuntary manslaughter looking at these crimes
Assignment 1 – Tutor Marked Assignment
3.Non-fatal offences against the person
Assignment 2 - Tutor Marked Assignment
4.Defences for all the above offences.
5.Evaluation of offences
Assignment 3 - Tutor Marked Assignment

Section B: Contract Law

1.Formation of a valid contract, offer, acceptance consideration
2.Contract Terms - the difference between warranties and conditions
Assignment 4 - Tutor Marked Assignment
3.Vitiating Factors – and misrepresentation
4.Other matters affecting enforceability of contract.
5.Introduction to consumer law
Assignment 5 - Tutor Marked Assignment
6.Discharge of contract – how a contract comes to an end.
7.Remedies - if there is a breach of contract, what compensation can be obtained. Evaluation of contracts
Assignment 6 - Tutor Marked Assignment

Unit 4

Section A: Criminal Law – offences against property

1.Theft and robbery, looking at the Theft Act 1968 and subsequent legislation
2.Burglary, Blackmail – looking at the elements of these crimes.
3.Fraud
Assignment 7 - Tutor Marked Assignment
4.Making off without payment – evasion of paying a restaurant bill, or taxi fare!
5.Criminal damage- damage caused to someone else’s property.
6.Defences – when these can be pleaded – looking at cases.
Assignment 8 - Tutor Marked Assignment

Section B: Law of Tort

7.Negligence, duty of care, breach of duty and damages
8.Occupiers liability – every property owner has a duty to keep premises safe
Assignment 9 - Tutor Marked Assignment
9.Nuisance and escape of dangerous things – the case of Rylands v Fletcher
10.Vicarious liability – the liability of an employer for actions committed by an employee.
11.Defences to torts- contributory negligence
12.Remedies in the Courts – how damages are assessed
Assignment 10 - Tutor Marked Assignment

Section C: Concepts of Law

13.Law and Morals - Is there an overlap?
14.Law and Justice
Assignment 11- Tutor Marked Assignment
15.Judicial Creativity – can judges choose which court precedents to follow
16.Fault –criminal and civil liability
17.Balancing conflicting interests.
Assignment 12 - Tutor Marked Assignment

This course is specifically written for the GCE Law (AQA) 2160. The new format of the examinations will come into force in January 2009 for AS level and 2010 for A2.

At AS level there are two units for the course and a further two units for A2 specification.

The AS examination may be taken as a stand alone qualification or followed by A2 to constitute a complete A Level.

For further details on the syllabus please visit the AQA website at www.aqa.org.uk and click on new GCE’s and law. On the site there are specimen papers, student guide and resources.

Qualifications

Requirements for Entry

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

Study Options

If you do not have Internet access, or would prefer to study this course via the traditional paper/postal based study method, you can find more information on the course by clicking on the link below.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 301.5 hrs.