Law has a significant influence on our daily lives and is a factor in many news items, films and TV programmes. When studying law, you’ll learn how it’s made and how the court system works. We will consider the nature of justice, and whether law and morality are the same. You will be able to identify criminal offences, such as murder and robbery, and criminal defences, including self-defence. Also, you’ll learn about the civil law topics of tort and contract. Can a neighbour be taken to court for creating bad smells in their garden? Can you write a legal agreement on the back of a fish?
We aim to develop your skills of analysis and evaluation in a variety of ways – through problem-solving, discussion and essay writing. There are also opportunities such as taking part in a Bar Mock Trial competition and university workshops. If you have a critical and enquiring mind, this course is for you!
LAW = official rules that can be enforced in the courts
Law Research Tasks on Sources of Law
Please make concise handwritten notes on your findings and bring these notes to your Law lessons at the start of your A Level Law studies.
You can refer to these notes during discussion.
The following websites will help you with your research (click for links):
The UK Parliament is in London. Parliament examines what the Government is doing, makes new laws, holds the power to set taxes and debates the issues of the day. The House of Commons and House of Lords each play an important role in Parliament’s work.
Use the UK Parliament website to read about:
Much of the law has been made by judges in court cases. This is known as ‘common law’.
Use e-lawresources (see the left-hand menu) to explore areas of law that are based on cases. For example, Murder and the Tort of Nuisance.
Note how some areas of law are based on Acts of Parliament e.g. Theft and Robbery.
A custom is a rule of behaviour that often slowly develops in a community over time. Many old laws started as customs – the laws on theft and murder, for example. However, some customs have continued without becoming laws. Some of these customs surround practices in society like what people do at weddings and other ceremonies.
Read the following article and think about your views on this custom:
Why do women still change their names? – BBC Worklife
Did you know? Studying Law at A Level provides an insight into the subject that can help you to decide if you’d like to study Law at university.
Lucie Pateman
Yvette Wands
We look forward to seeing you soon!
