The Course

Ever wondered what really happens inside a court? Find out with visits to Crown and Magistrates’ Courts. Have the opportunity to talk to members of the Criminal Justice Service and have the opportunity to go to a Crime conference and hear from former prisoners what prison is really like. Be taught by highly qualified staff with a wide range of experience in the field and in the classroom.

A1 Units:

• Unit 1 includes the basics of the English Legal System, covering everything from the passing of an Act (Law) to the work of legal personnel such as juries and judges. This unit is examined in the summer.
• Unit 2 provides a more in-depth study of the Law itself. The unit is composed of two parts: Firstly, the criminal law and in particular the study of the non-fatal offences i.e. Assault, Battery, ABH and GBH. You learn what goes into making a criminal charge, and the likely outcome of a criminal trial. This is examined in the summer by problem scenario and you are asked to identify the criminal offence and advise on the likely outcome. The second part of Unit 2 is the civil law and provides the opportunity to study the tort of negligence, much like the common place adverts on the TV for “no win no fee” actions. Students learn how to take action when the victim is injured and provide advice on the likely outcome such as the compensation awarded. This is also examined in the summer by problem scenario.

A2 Units:

• Unit 3 is criminal law, in-particular homicide. Students cover all aspects including murder and the different types of manslaughter. You will build on your non-fatal knowledge acquired in year one, and develop it. Throughout, you will be encouraged to question how suitable the Law is in each area and whether it is in need of reform.
• Unit 4 is where you will study either theft and the property offences, such as robbery, burglary and criminal damage, or further study in the area of tort which builds on negligence with torts such as product liability, occupier’s liability, medical negligence and nuisance (usually seen in disputes between neighbours, i.e. noise). Both are examined in the summer by problem scenario. The final part of the unit is the concepts of law elements where you are asked to consider everything you have learnt in relation to issues of Justice, Fault, Creativity or Morality. This involves an essay in the summer unit 4 exam.

Why study Law?
The study of Law is really the study of people in real situations in the world around us. It is a dynamic subject and is always changing. Every case that results in a trial can potentially change the Law in a particular area. As governments and policies change so does the Law, so it’s good practice to keep abreast of the news; an interest in current affairs is an advantage in Law. The course provides a sound foundation in all the major aspects of Law and covers everything from the writing of an act through to the Law being applied to a person in a court case. As a Law student you are encouraged to evaluate the decision in the case and its long-term and wider effect.

What else can you do on this course?
You will have the opportunity to attend national conferences, court visits and there will also be talks from guest speakers.