Law
This course helps develop understanding of how laws are made, how the British legal system works and how it affects both individuals and wider society
Intent Statement
Studying A-Level Law aims to give students an understanding of the English Legal System, the basic principles of criminal and tortious liability and an introduction to Human Rights Law. Students will understand how the law is made and applied and the impact it has on our everyday lives.
We encourage debate about the role of law in society, including tackling difficult issues such as the right to die, the rights that should be afforded to prisoners and police powers. The development of an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizens is closely linked to an understanding of the rule of law and the concepts of democracy and liberty. We consider key topics such as how far the law is based on morality and whether it achieves justice.
We develop a number of key skills that are important when studying Law, but also transferable to other areas of study, including analysis, critical thinking and problem solving. Developing excellent verbal and written communication is a key focus of the curriculum, as is the ability to learn independently. Students will also develop specific legal skills by reading and interpreting legislation and case law and then applying this to real-life scenarios. Studying Law encourages them to keep up to date with current affairs as the law is constantly changing and evolving.
Law links well with other subjects in the curriculum and allows students to make links in their learning with other A-Level subjects such as sociology, psychology, politics, history, business and economics. A-Level Law is an excellent qualification that can facilitate further study at degree level of both Law and other diverse subjects; and also serves as a good platform for higher legal and other apprenticeships and employment.
Students gain a greater understanding of legal principles, and a critical awareness of how the law operates and its role in society. Students learn about a range of legal areas from our experienced staff in our well-equipped classrooms.
Curriculum
A Level Law Subject Information
KS5
Year 12
- sources of law, the various influences that lead to a change in law by parliament and how the legal system works;
- the concept of liability: what is required to be guilty of a crime, non-fatal offences, general defences and sentencing;
- what is required for a successful civil action in negligence, including claims against occupiers and for psychiatric harm, defences to such claims and remedies.
Year 13
- criminal law: murder, manslaughter, theft and robbery;
- the law of human rights;
- concepts of law such as law and morality, law and justice, balancing conflicting rights and fault.
Assessments:
- All three exam papers are sat at the end of the two year course.
- Each exam is two hours long.
Why study Law:
It is a well-respected academic A-Level.
The website Informed Choices (the website of the Russell Group of Universities) lists it as a good subject to study if you are thinking of pursuing it as a law degree.
Studying Law provides students with easily transferable skills for future study and employment.
Visits/Extra Curricular
Visits are arranged to St Albans Crown Court, the University of Hertfordshire Law School and leading solicitors, Clifford Chance. In addition, guest speakers from a diverse range of backgrounds speak to the students. Former visitors have included a police detective, a CPS lawyer and ex-students now studying at University.
