AS Law

Course Synopsis

Law is both a fascinating and challenging subject. It affects every aspect of our daily lives. It is an ideal subject for someone with a logical mind, who likes research and attention to detail. AS/A2 Law generally is a very popular subject with both sixth form students who may be considering a career in law and also with more mature students who want to find out more about this intriguing subject.

This course is specifically written for the GCE Law (AQA) 2160. The new format of the examinations will come into force in January 2009 for AS level and 2010 for A2.

At AS level there are two units for the course and a further two units for A2 specification.

The AS examination may be taken as a stand alone qualification or followed by A2 to constitute a complete A Level.

For further details on the syllabus please visit the AQA website at www.aqa.org.uk and click on new GCE’s and law. On the site there are specimen papers, student guide and resources.

Challenges in learning Law

Law can be a challenging subject, it has its own terminology which has to be learned and new terminology is explained in a clear and logical manner throughout the course with appropriate references to the text book.

Also, learning case law can be challenging. Case law consists of cases previously decided in courts of Law. It is important that the facts of these cases are learned as they will have to be known for examinations. It is better to learn these as the course progresses.

Course Plan

The course is divided into two units as required by the AS syllabus. Each unit of the Course corresponds exactly to the requirements of the new syllabus. To ensure all required topics are covered each unit is divided into topic areas.

In each topic area there are some activities, some web based research, self assessment questions and tutor marked assignments. These are assignments you prepare and submit to your tutor for marking. There are ten assignments (10) in all for AS (Assignments A–J)

Each topic area will state the aims to be achieved and what you can expect to know at the end of the topic

AS LAW

The plan for Unit 1 of the course is as follows:

UNIT 1

1. Section A

2. Introduction to law – considers what Law is, different types of law and how to study law
   
   Assignment A
   
   
3. Parliamentary law making – looking at Acts of Parliament
4. Delegated legislation
5. Statutory interpretation – the wording of Acts of Parliament
   
   Assignment B
   
   
6. Judicial precedent – considering how judges make law in Courts
   
   Assignment C
   
   

   Section B

7. The Civil Courts and other forms of dispute Resolution – how an action is brought in County Court
8. Criminal Courts and Lay people – looking at Magistrates and Juries
   
   Assignment D
   
   
9. Legal profession and other sources f advice and funding. The Judiciary – considering training of solicitors, barristers and judges.
   
   Assignment E
   
   

UNIT 2

1. Section A

2. Criminal Liability – Actus Reus, mens rea and intention – what constitutes a crime?
3. Common Assault, Assault and battery, Offences against the person and strict liability
   
   Assignment F
   
   
4. The Criminal Courts: – Magistrates Court and Crown Court, types of offences
5. Trial procedure, bail, the plea. Outline of evidence, burden of proof
6. Sentencing aims – what is the purpose of sanctions and imprisonment in criminal matters?
   
   Assignment G
   
   

   Section B

7. Introduction to Tort –negligence, duty of care, breach of duty and damages
   
   Assignment H
   
   
8. The Civil Courts, trial procedure. The three track procedures, Alternative Dispute resolution, evidential issues
   
   Assignment I
   
   

   Section C

9. An introduction to Law of contract – formation and breach of Contract – looking at contracts which are made everyday.
   
   Assignment J
   
   

Textbooks

You will need a text book to assist you throughout the course. The recommended text book for AS is AS Law by Bobby Vanstone, Mary Charman and Liz Sherratt published by Willan. At the time of writing there is not a specific book published for the new format of the examinations but no doubt these will be available later. The text book is an essential part of this course and will be referred to throughout the course. The text book contains useful activities and specimen papers

For the contract module, the recommended text book is Unlocking Contract Law by Chris Turner Published by Hodder Arnold. This book also has a complimentary web site. For further details visit www.unlockingthelaw.co.uk or Contract Law by Mary Charman published by Willan Publishing.

Examinations

There is no course work required for this course and assessment is by examination for each unit as follows:

AS Examination

The method of assessment for this examination is by way of one written paper of One hour thirty minutes. The weighting for this paper is 50% of total AS or 25% of total A Level marks.

In the examination, candidates must answer three questions from eight, one from Section A - Law making, one from Section B - The Legal system, and one from either section. Each question is in three parts and the complete question must be answered. Each part of the question is worth 10 marks, totalling 30 marks for the whole question. Total marks available are 95% which include 5% for good use of vocabulary including legal terminology and presentation and quality of written communication.

For Unit 2, assessment is by way of a written paper of One hour 30 minutes.

Candidates are required to answer two multi - part questions based on problem scenarios. There is a compulsory question from Section A and the other question may be taken from either Section B or Section C. Each section has a maximum of 45 marks. There is an additional 5 marks available for quality of written communication (QWC)

A2 Law

For A2 the syllabus specification further develops knowledge of the English Legal system and of substantive law through both criminal and civil law.

Again, the course is divided into the two required units; 3 and 4. The course is then divided into topic areas which closely follows the syllabus requirements as in the AS course.

In each topic area there are some activities, some web based research, self assessment questions and tutor marked assignments. These are assignments you prepare and submit to your tutor for marking. There are twelve assignments in all for A2 (Assignments 1 -12)

Each topic area will state the aims to be achieved and what you can expect to know at the end of the topic.

For unit 3 there is a choice of Criminal Law or Contract Law. Although in the examination you are you only required to cover one area, either criminal law or contract, you might like to study both areas and then decide which to specialise in. Alternatively if you are fast tracking you may wish to cover one area.

Challenges in learning A2 Law

The biggest difficulty is the required learning of the many cases. The course makes suggestions for learning these and explains cases in a straightforward way.

UNIT 3

Section A: Criminal Law

1. Murder - the mens rea and actus reus – mental intent and physical act of committing the crime
2. Voluntary Manslaughter, Involuntary manslaughter looking at these crimes
   
   Assignment 1 – Tutor Marked Assignment
   
   
3. Non-fatal offences against the person
   
   Assignment 2 - Tutor Marked Assignment
   
   
4. Defences for all the above offences.
5. Evaluation of offences
   
   Assignment 3 - Tutor Marked Assignment
   
   

Section B: Contract Law

1. Formation of a valid contract, offer, acceptance consideration
2. Contract Terms - the difference between warranties and conditions
   
   Assignment 4 - Tutor Marked Assignment
   
   
3. Vitiating Factors – and misrepresentation
4. Other matters affecting enforceability of contract.
5. Introduction to consumer law
   
   Assignment 5 - Tutor Marked Assignment
   
   
6. Discharge of contract – how a contract comes to an end.
7. Remedies - if there is a breach of contract, what compensation can be obtained. Evaluation of contracts
   
   Assignment 6 - Tutor Marked Assignment
   
   

Examination –Unit 3

Assessment is by way of a written paper of One hour 30 minutes in length. Candidates have to answer one three part question on either Criminal Law or Contract law. Each part of the question is worth 25 marks. 5 additional marks are available for QWC. The weighting is 50% of total A2 or 25% of total A Level marks.

Unit 4

1. Section A: Criminal Law – offences against property

2. Theft and robbery, looking at the Theft Act 1968 and subsequent legislation
3. Burglary, Blackmail – looking at the elements of these crimes.
4. Fraud
   
   Assignment 7 - Tutor Marked Assignment
   
   
5. Making off without payment – evasion of paying a restaurant bill, or taxi fare!
6. Criminal damage- damage caused to someone else’s property.
7. Defences – when these can be pleaded – looking at cases.
   
   Assignment 8 - Tutor Marked Assignment
   
   

   Section B: Law of Tort

8. Negligence, duty of care, breach of duty and damages
9. Occupiers liability – every property owner has a duty to keep premises safe
   
   Assignment 9 - Tutor Marked Assignment
   
   
10. Nuisance and escape of dangerous things – the case of Rylands v Fletcher
11. Vicarious liability – the liability of an employer for actions committed by an employee.
12. Defences to torts- contributory negligence
13. Remedies in the Courts – how damages are assessed
    
    Assignment 10 - Tutor Marked Assignment
    
    

    Section C: Concepts of Law

14. Law and Morals - Is there an overlap?
15. Law and Justice
    
    Assignment 11- Tutor Marked Assignment
    
    
16. Judicial Creativity – can judges choose which court precedents to follow
17. Fault –criminal and civil liability
18. Balancing conflicting interests.
    
    Assignment 12 - Tutor Marked Assignment
    
    

Examination – Unit 4

Assessment is by way of a written paper of 2 hours duration. Candidates must answer one two part question on either Criminal Law or the Law of Tort, and one essay question on Concepts of Law. Sections A and B are worth 50 marks, Section C carries 30 marks. There are up to 5 additional marks available for quality of written communication. TOTAL marks 85. This examination is available in June only.

Please note that this syllabus for A2 does not come into force until 2010 so if you are considering fast tracking this course you may wish to take your examination on the old syllabus which is valid until 2009; for further details please visit AQA web-site on www.aqa.org.uk

Textbooks – A2

Recommended text books for unit 3 and 4

AQA Law for A2 – Jacqueline Martin, published by Hodder Arnold 2007
Criminal Law for A2 Jacqueline Martin, published by Hodder Arnold
Key Facts: Criminal Law Chris Turner, published by Hodder Arnold
For Contract Law – Unlocking Contract Law (second edition) – Chris Turner, published by Hodder Arnold or
Contract Law (fourth edition) Mary Charman – Willan Publishing.

Entry Requirements

It is not necessary to have any legal knowledge before starting this course, however, if you have GCSE Law or have completed the Diploma in Law this would greatly assist your studies.

All the topic areas need to be studied, although if you have some prior legal knowledge, topic area 1 – the introduction to law can be quickly completed.

Study Hours

Approximately 300 hours.

Qualification

AS/A2 - A level in Law. Both AS and A2 level courses and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level.

Specification: AQA (Full A Level) 2160, AQA (AS) 1161 and AQA (A2) 2161

What's Included

Learning documentation, Online Resources and Tutor support for 2 years.

Course Fee

Further Information

Courses in paper/file format are still available at an additional fee of £45.00 and must be enrolled upon via telephone. This service is only available to those students studying within the United Kingdom. All students outside the United Kingdom will receive the online format.

Windows: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista - Acrobat Reader 8.0 and above
Macintosh: Mac OS X, Mac OS 9.2 - Acrobat Reader 8.0 and above

As an A Level student you will have access to our online 'Common Room', where you are able to receive the latest course updates, extra materials and information. You will also be able to take part in the student chat room and forums as part of our online student community.

Once enrolled, your username, password and personal Oxford College Student number will be emailed to you within 5 working days, which will give you access to your course materials via the ‘Common Room’.

The full A Level will be a 2 year course, AS Exams to be taken in 2009 and A2 in 2010. Due to Examination Board restrictions, there is no flexibility to complete this course any sooner.

Students are required to arrange and pay for their examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for furtheer information and final examinnation sitting dates for the specification.

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