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.
