A-Level Law
OCR specification at AS, H134 and at A2, H534
Why study Law?
Studying Law at A level is useful for anyone hoping to go to University to study subjects such as Politics, History, Government, Media, Law, Business and Social Sciences. The skills and knowledge acquired studying Law are useful in careers in the Civil Service, Business, Journalism, Politics, Law, the Police and in Management.
The AS/A2 Level Law course is varied and exciting. Students will learn about legal institutions, the relationship between the individual and the state, Law making by Government and the Courts, and legal principles generally. In the second year the focus is on the actual Criminal Law in England and Wales.
Aims of the course
- Develop an understanding of legal method and reasoning
- Develop techniques of logical thinking and the skills necessary to solve problems by analysing legal rules
- Develop the ability to communicate legal arguments and to utilise legal authority
- Develop a critical awareness of the changing nature of law in society.
Course requirements
No previous knowledge of the Law is required. It is recommended that students have attained at least a grade C at English Language GCSE.
Exam requirements
The course is assessed through examination at the end of the period of study. At AS level there are two papers. There are two exams at A2, the second of which is the special study paper.
Course Content at AS Level
The first paper involves the study of:
- Police powers - stop and search, arrest, detention and treatment of suspects
- Criminal courts - bail, mode of trial, Magistrates Courts and Crown Courts
- Sentencing - aims, different types of sentence and the power of the courts
- Civil courts - County Court and High Court, procedure and problems
- Alternative Dispute Resolution - mediation, conciliation and arbitration
- Appeals - rights of appeal and the appellate courts
- Legal profession - training, work and regulation of barristers and solicitors
- Judiciary - selection, role and independence
- Magistrates - selection, training and role
- Juries - qualification, role in trials and alternatives to juries
The second paper focuses on the sources of Law
- Doctrine of precedent
- Acts of Parliament
- Delegated legislation
- Statutory interpretation
- European Law
- Law reform
Course content at A2 Level
The first paper covers the Criminal Law in England and Wales
- Actus reus - causation, omissions,
- Mens rea - intention, recklessness, foresight, malice,
- Strict liability offences
- Attempted crimes
- Offences against the person - murder, involuntary manslaughter, defences
- General Defences - insanity, automatism, duress, necessity, intoxication
- Non-fatal offences against the person - assault, battery, wounding, grievous bodily harm
- Defences - self-defence, mistake, consent
- Offences against property - theft, robbery, burglary
The second paper is the Criminal Law Special Study
Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of specified areas of Law and to use legal methods and reasoning to analyse legal material.
Students are expected to participate in class discussions, complete set work, read articles and to do some guided research. There is plenty of practice at past exam questions and opportunities for presentations. The course encourages discussion and criticism of issues arising in the different topics. There are visits throughout the course; to the police custody suite, Crown Court, Parliament and the Old Bailey. We will also have guest speakers including a solicitor and barrister.
Link to Photo Galleries - Year 12 visit to Royal Courts of Justice & Houses of Parliament
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