Law

Why take this subject?  

A-Level Law is a highly academic and well-respected qualification that offers a thorough understanding of the legal system, its principles, and its impact on society. This course provides an excellent foundation for those intending to pursue law at university, equipping students with a clear grasp of legal reasoning beneficial for further study. However, A-Level Law is not only for aspiring lawyers. The skills developed are invaluable across a wide range of degree subjects and career paths. Whether you are considering degrees in humanities, social sciences, or professional routes such as apprenticeships, Law is an excellent choice that broadens your opportunities and enhances your future prospects. 

Law is a great A Level choice if you are interested in:

• Why we need law and how it is made

• Criminal offences such as robbery and murder

• When you can claim compensation from people for mistakes they make

• Human Rights, including the right to life and freedom to protest

• Whether the law achieves justice and how it links to morality

What skills will you learn?  

Studying A-Level Law will help you to develop transferable skills such as attention to detail and logical thinking. You will improve your research skills and be able to pursue a logical argument and apply the law to factual situations. You will develop your critical thinking and analytical skills, and develop your ability to communicate clearly and confidently.

What is the course structure?  

All Papers consider aspects of the English Legal System, including what barristers, solicitors and judges do and how ordinary members of the public participate in the legal process. You will also study different sources of law, examining the ways in which judges follow past cases and interpret Acts of Parliament, as well as how the law develops over time. The Papers are:

Paper 1

Criminal Law – offences such as actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm, theft and robbery, murder and manslaughter and defences such as insanity

Paper 2

Tort Law – liability in negligence for physical injury to people and damage to property, psychiatric injury and the law of nuisance

Paper 3

Human Rights Law - the right to life, liberty, respect for private life, freedom of expression and the right to freedom of assembly

What activities will you do?

• Independent research activities

• Role play

• Class discussions

• Making mini films about legal cases and presentations

• Trips to St Albans Crown Court

• Visits to top London law firms

• Guest speakers, for example, the police and the Crown Prosecution Service

How will you be assessed?

This is a linear qualification with three 2-hour exams at the end of the course. There is no coursework element. 

What can you do after the course?

A successful A Level in Law indicates that you have strong academic ability and is a useful stepping stone to an apprenticeship or to a Law degree at University. It can also lead to any number of other University courses including Criminology, Business, Economics, Forensics, Politics and International Relations. 

Students will be able to make informed decisions as to whether a legal career, such as becoming a solicitor or barrister, is for them or consider non-legal careers including the police, teaching, business and finance, human resources and social work.