Law (OCR)

Have you ever wondered why we need laws, or how laws are made? Have you ever wondered how judges make decisions or how people become solicitors or barristers? Do you want to know about offences such as murder and theft, negligence, contracts or your rights? There are so many benefits to studying A Level Law, it links to all aspects of society! A Level Law helps students develop a range of transferable skills: analytical skills, attention to detail, logical thinking, research skills, essay writing skills and the ability to produce a balanced argument. Students will learn about the legal system, law making, the nature of law, criminal law, the law of tort and human rights law. Students also develop a range of subject specific skills including the application of legal rules and principles to present an argument, analysis and evaluation of the law, legal issues and concepts.

Paper 1: The Legal System and Criminal Law:

Section A focuses on the civil and criminal courts, the legal professions and access to justice. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the processes and people involved in the law and the changing nature of the legal system.

Section B focuses on the rules and general elements of criminal law and provides an introduction to criminal liability through the study of offences against the person and offences against property. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of criminal law and the skills to apply their legal knowledge to scenario-based situations and gain a critical awareness of the present state of criminal law.

Paper 2: Law Making and the Law of Tort:

Section A focuses on law making in England and Wales as well as the European Union. Students will study law making methods and their underpinning concepts. They will develop an understanding of legal method and reasoning as used by lawyers and the judiciary.

Section B focuses on the rules of tort, liability in negligence, occupiers’ liability and remedies. Students will be able to apply their legal knowledge to scenario-based situations and gain a critical awareness of the present state of the law of tort.

Paper 3: The Nature of Law and Human Rights

Section A focuses on the nature of law. Students will explore the nature of law in a wider context and develop their understanding of how the law interacts with morality, justice, society and technology.

Section B focuses on human rights, including their nature, protection and constitutional position under UK law. Specific rights are explored in detail as are the restrictions on upon them and the process of enforcement through the courts. Students will be able to apply their legal knowledge to scenario-based situations and gain a critical awareness of the present state of human rights law.

Assessment:

Students will have three, two hour written exams at the end of the two years:

Paper 1: The Legal System and Criminal Law (33.3% of the A Level)

Paper 2: Law Making and the Law of Tort (33.3% of the A Level)

Paper 3: The Nature of Law and Human Rights (33.3% of the A Level)

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Five GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including Grade 5 in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature.

Updated September 2023