A Level Law WJEC

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Content Overview

431 topics in 37 modules

☑️ Access to justice and funding 15 topics
- Understanding Barriers to Access Justice
- Legal Funds and Their Importance
- The Legal Aid System: Origins and Objectives
- Evaluation of the Legal Aid System
- Alternatives to Legal Aid: No Win No Fee agreements, Legal Expenses Insurance
- Impact of Funding on Access to Justice
- Roles of Charitable Organizations and Pro Bono Work in Accessing Justice
- The Role of Citizens Advice Bureau and Law Centres
- Examination of Conditional and Contingency Fee arrangements
- Privatisation of Legal Services
- The Impact of Cost on Civil Litigation: Woolf Reforms
- Legal Ombudsman and Complaints Procedures
- Implications of Cuts to Legal Aid
- Reform of Legal Aid: Proposals and Controversies
- Future of Access to Justice and Legal Funding
☑️ Civil courts 11 topics
- Overview of the Civil Court Structure: County Court, High Court and Beyond
- Court Roles: Judges, Claimants and Defendants
- Jurisdiction of Civil Courts: County Court and High Court
- Pre-action Protocols in Civil Law
- Claim Process: Making a Claim, the Particulars and the Response
- Case Management Tracks: Small Claims, Fast Track and Multi Track
- Principles of Liability: Tort Law and Contract Law
- Role of ADR, Mediation and Tribunal in Civil Justice System
- Enforcing Success: Judgment and Costs
- Appeals: Procedure and basis for Legal Redress
- Reform of Civil Justice System
☑️ Criminal Process 11 topics
- Principles of Criminal Liability
- Parties to Crime: Inchoate Offences and Accomplices
- Procedures for Prosecution: Arrest, Detention and Bail
- Pre-trial Matters: Pleading and Disclosure
- Court Processes: The Roles of Judges, Juries, Prosecution and Defense
- Offence Categories and Case Progression
- Sentencing Principles and Procedures
- Appeals Process: Grounds and Procedures
- The Role of the Criminal Justice System in Society
- The Impact of European Union Law on the Criminal Process
- Use of Discretion in the Criminal Justice Process
☑️ Delegated Legislation 12 topics
- Understanding the Concept of Delegated Legislation
- Types of Delegated Legislation: Orders in Council, Statutory Instruments, and By-laws
- Reasons for Delegated Legislation
- The Parliamentary Control over Delegated Legislation
- The Judicial Control over Delegated Legislation
- Procedures for Enacting Statutory Instruments
- The Advantages and Disadvantages of Delegated Legislation
- The Role of the Privy Council in Delegated Legislation
- The Role of Local Authorities in Delegated Legislation
- Landmark Cases Influencing Delegated Legislation Policies
- Procedural Ultra Vires and its implications in Delegated Legislation
- Substantive Ultra Vires and its implications in Delegated Legislation
☑️ English Legal System 6 topics
- Introduction to Law and the English Legal System
- Sources of Law
- Courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Legal Personnel and the Judiciary
- Access to Justice and Funding
- Legal Personality
☑️ Judicial Precedent 12 topics
- Introduction to the Doctrine of Judicial Precedent
- The Hierarchy of the Courts
- Stare Decisis: Binding and Persuasive Precedents
- Rules of Reporting
- Ratio Decidendi and Obiter Dicta: Distinguishing the Binding Part of a Decision
- Mechanisms to Avoid Precedents: Distinguishing, Overruling and Reversing
- Practice Statement 1966: Law Lords' Power to Depart from Previous Decisions
- Use of Decisions from Other Jurisdictions: Commonwealth and American
- Influence of European Court of Justice and European Court of Human Rights on Judicial Precedent
- Advantages and Disadvantages of the Doctrine of Judicial Precedent
- Precedent and Law Reform: Precedent and Expansion of Liability
- Evaluating Judicial Precedents: Legal Certainty vs. Flexibility
☑️ Law-making 14 topics
- Understanding Types of Law: Common Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Civil Law
- Parliamentary Law Making: Roles and Processes
- Different Stages of a Bill: First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage, Third Reading
- The Influence of Political, Social and Business Factors on Law-making
- How Electoral Mandates, Political Manifestos, and Public Opinion Influence Law-making
- Role and Influence of the House of Lords in the Law-making Process
- The Processes of Law Making in Welsh and Scottish Devolved Bodies
- Delegated legislation: Types, Procedure and Control
- Nature and Authority of European Union Law and Brexit implications
- Impact of Judicial Precedents on Law-making
- Law Reform: Role of the Law Commission and Other Reform Bodies
- Law Reform: Royal Commissions and Green and White Papers
- Law Reform: Private Members Bills and Pressure Group Influence
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Law Making Renforms.
☑️ Legal Personnel 12 topics
- Introduction to Legal Personnel
- Solicitors: Roles and Responsibilities
- Barristers: Roles and Responsibilities
- Legal Executives: Roles and Duties
- Other Legal Professions: Notaries, Legal Secretaries
- Professional Ethics and Code of Conduct
- Regulatory Bodies: The Law Society, Bar Standards Board
- Qualification and Training Paths for Solicitors and Barristers
- Diversity and Equality in Legal Professions
- The Judiciary: Composition and Functions
- Judicial Appointments and Diversity
- Judicial Independence and Accountability
☑️ Statutory Interpretation 12 topics
- Purposive Approach
- Literal Rule
- Golden Rule
- Mischief Rule
- Ejusdem Generis Rule
- Expressio Unius Est Exclusio Alterius
- Noscitur a Sociis
- Intrinsic Aids
- Extrinsic Aids
- Presumptions of Statutory Interpretation
- Impact of European Law on Statutory Interpretation
- Impact of Human Rights Act on Statutory Interpretation
☑️ The rules and theory of the law of tort 20 topics
- Understanding the Basic Principles of Tort Law
- The Concept and Elements of Duty of Care
- Breach of Duty and Standard of Care
- Causation and Remoteness
- Harm and Loss: Understanding General and Special Damages
- Defences to Negligence: Contributory Negligence, Volenti non-fit injuria, Illegality
- Occupiers' Liability and Trespassers
- Private Nuisance and its Elements: Interference, Unreasonableness, Duration
- Public Nuisance and its Impact on the Community
- Rylands v Fletcher Rule and its Applicability
- Vicarious Liability: Concept and Cases
- Product Liability and Consumer Protection
- Defamation: Slander and Libel
- Economic Torts: Deceit, Passing Off, Conspiracy and Interference with Contract
- Environmental Torts: The Rule in Rylands v Fletcher and Pollution Cases
- Tort Reform: Proposed Changes and Controversies
- Torts relating to Land: Trespass, Nuisance and the Rule in Rylands v Fletcher
- Remedies in Tort Law: Damages, Injunctions and Specific Restitution
- Comparative Tort Law: Differences across jurisdictions
- Professionals and Negligence: Medical Negligence, Professional Indemnity Insurance
☑️ Liability in negligence for injury to people and damage to property 15 topics
- Definition and Overview of Negligence
- The Duty of Care: Elements and Tests
- Breach of Duty: The Reasonable Man Standard
- Causation: Factual and Legal Causation
- Damage: Physical and Mental Harm
- Economic Loss and Negligence
- Defenses to Claims based on Negligence
- Vicarious Liability in Negligence
- Implications of the Occupiers' Liability Acts
- Role of Public and Private Nuisance Laws
- Limitations and Exceptions in Negligence Law
- Impact of Health and Safety Regulations on Liability
- Negligently Inflicted Psychiatric Harm
- Professional Negligence: Medical, Legal and Others
- The Compensation Culture: Perceptions and Reality
☑️ Tort of Negligence 9 topics
- Duty of Care
- Breach of Duty
- Damage
- Defences to Negligence
- Vicarious Liability
- Occupiers Liability
- Nuisance and the Rule in Rylands v Fletcher
- Trespass to the Person
- Defamation
☑️ Criminal Law 8 topics
- Actus Reus
- Mens Rea
- Strict Liability
- Murder and Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- Non-fatal Offences Against the Person
- Property Offences
- Defences
☑️ Occupiers’ liability 12 topics
- Basic Definition of Occupiers’ Liability
- The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957: Understanding its Role and Implication
- Differentiating Between Lawful Visitors and Trespassers
- Obligations Towards Lawful Visitors under the 1957 Act
- The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984: Understanding its Role and Implication
- Duties Toward Trespassers under the 1984 Act
- Criteria for “Occupiers”: assessing who is an Occupier and the Liability attached
- Understanding the Concept of 'Premises' in Occupiers' Liability
- Inherent Risks and Warnings: Their Impact on Occupiers' Liability
- Defences Available in Occupiers’ Liability Cases
- Study of Judicial Interpretations and Landmark Cases in Occupiers’ Liability
- Evaluation of the Occupiers’ Liability Act: Advantages, Disadvantages and Calls for Reform
☑️ Human Rights 5 topics
- Introduction to Human Rights
- The Human Rights Act 1998
- Specific Articles of the European Convention on Human Rights
- Limitations and qualifications
- The Operation of the Human Rights Act 1998
☑️ Remedies 12 topics
- Understanding Remedies in Law: Purpose and Types
- Civil Remedies: Damages, Injunctions, and Specific Performance
- Quantum of Damages: Compensatory, Nominal, Aggravated, Restitutionary, and Exemplary
- Injunctions: Interlocutory, Perpetual and Mandatory Injunctions
- Equitable Doctrines and Remedies: Rescission, Specific Performance, and Rectification
- Remedies in Contract Law: Expectation, Reliance, and Restitution Interests
- Remedies in Tort Law: Damages for Negligence, Nuisance, Defamation, and Trespass
- Remedies for Breach of Trust and Breach of Fiduciary Duties
- Restrictive Covenants and Equitable Remedies: Injunctions and Damages
- Implications of Remedial Choices: Strategic Considerations and Prospective Challenges
- Reform of Remedies Law
- Analysis of Key Cases on Legal Remedies
☑️ Law of Contract 5 topics
- Formation of Contracts
- Terms and Exclusion Clauses
- Vitiating Factors
- Discharge of Contract and remedies for Breach
- Consumers and the Law
☑️ The rules and theory of human rights law 15 topics
- Understanding the Basics of Human Rights Law
- The Origin and Development of Human Rights Law
- Key Legislations in Human Rights Law: Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Convention on Human Rights, Human Rights Act 1998
- Role and Function of the European Court of Human Rights
- Principles and Concepts Central to Human Rights Law: Dignity, Equality, Respect
- Balancing Rights and Interests: An Overview of Proportionality
- Absolute, Limited and Qualified Rights: Different Levels of Protection Under Human Rights Law
- The Role of Judiciary in the Protection and Enforcement of Human Rights
- Mechanisms for Challenging Violations of Human Rights
- The Impact of Brexit on the UK's Human Rights Framework
- Cross-border and International Implications of Human Rights Law
- The Future of Human Rights Law: Emerging Trends and Issues
- Intersectionality in Human Rights Law: Gender, Race, and Sexuality
- Human Rights Abuses and Violations: Case Studies
- How Human Rights Law Interacts with Other Areas of Law: Criminal, Civil and Immigration Law
☑️ Legalinequalities:Unlawful conduct 5 topics
- Introduction to the Law of Unlawful Conduct
- Assault, Battery and ABH
- GBH and Wounding
- Murder and Involuntary Manslaughter
- Defences to Unlawful Conduct
☑️ Specific provisions within the European Convention on Human Rights 15 topics
- Overview of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
- History and Purpose of the ECHR
- Importance of the Human Rights Act 1998 in Context of ECHR
- Section 1 Rights: Understanding Article 2 - Right to Life
- In-depth Study of Article 3 - Prohibition of Torture
- Discussing Article 5 - Right to Liberty and Security
- Understanding Article 6 - Right to a Fair Trial
- Examining Article 8 - Right to Respect for Private and Family Life
- Meaning and Implication of Article 10 - Freedom of Expression
- Comprehending Article 11 - Freedom of Assembly and Association
- Impact of Article 14 - Prohibition of Discrimination
- Applicability of Protocols 1, 6, 12 and 13
- Court of Human Rights: Its Role, Jurisdiction and Enforcement of ECHR
- Impact of ECHR on UK law and Importance of Case law in its Implementation
- Challenges with ECHR Provisions and Scope for Reforms.
☑️ Legalinequalities:Resolution and Justice 5 topics
- Introduction to Resolution and Justice
- Civil Courts and other forms of Dispute Resolution
- Civil Liberties and Human Rights
- The Balance of power: Individuals, Groups and the State
- Discrimination in Society
☑️ Restrictions, including restrictions permitted by the European Convention on Human Rights 13 topics
- Introduction to Rights and Restrictions in Law
- Understanding the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
- Prohibited Restrictions under ECHR
- Exceptions to Prohibitions: Legitimate Aims
- How Restrictions are Legitimized: Prescribed by Law
- The Principle of Proportionality: necessary in a democratic society
- Derogations in Times of War or Public Emergency
- Individual Rights versus Collective Security: Balancing Act
- Impact of ECHR Restrictions on British Law: Judicial Precedent and Parliamentary Sovereignty
- Assessing ECHR ‘Margin of Appreciation’: Cases and Commentary
- The Influence of ECHR on Policies, Legislations and Public Behaviors
- The Future of ECHR in UK Law: Brexit Implications
- Proposals for Reform: British Bill of Rights.
☑️ Aspects of property offences 8 topics
- Theft
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Blackmail
- Making off Without Payment
- Fraud
- Obtaining Services Dishonestly
- Criminal Damage
☑️ Enforcement 14 topics
- General Principles of Enforcement of Law
- Role and Responsibilities of Police Forces in Law Enforcement
- The Importance of Evidence Gathering
- Duties and Powers of the Crown Prosecution Service
- Enforcement Agencies: HMRC, Home Office, Local Authorities
- Use of Technology in Law Enforcement: CCTV, Forensics, DNA Database
- Legal Safeguards to Prevent Misuse of Law Enforcement Powers
- Police Powers and Human Rights Issues
- Role of European Court of Human Rights in Law Enforcement
- Role of Community Support Officers and Private Security Firms in Enforcement
- Evaluation of Enforcements' Effectiveness
- Case Studies on Notable Law Enforcement Actions
- Reform Proposals and Controversies in Law Enforcement
- Understanding the Balance Between Public Safety and Individual Rights in Law Enforcement
☑️ The debate relating to the protection of human rights in the UK 15 topics
- Introduction to Human Rights in the UK context
- The Human Rights Act 1998: Purpose and Importance
- Specific Provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998
- Enforcement of Human Rights: Domestic and International Mechanisms
- Influence of European Court of Human Rights on UK Human Rights Protection
- Limitations and Criticisms of the Human Rights Act 1998
- Case Studies: Landmark UK Human Rights Cases
- Controversies and Conflicts in Protecting UK Human Rights
- Role of Judiciary, Government and Non-Governmental Organisations in Human Rights Protection
- Implications of Brexit on Human Rights Protection in the UK
- Key Proposals for Reforming Human Rights Protection in the UK
- Impact of UK Human Rights Policy on Public Services, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice System
- Future of Human Rights Protection in the UK: Trends and Predictions
- Comparing Human Rights Protection in the UK with other countries
- Understanding Human Rights and its impact on Individual, Society and State
☑️ Rules and theory of the law of contract 10 topics
- Principles Underlying Contract Law
- Formation of Contract: Offer, Acceptance, Consideration and Intention to Create Legal Relations
- Exclusion Clauses and Unfair Contract Terms
- Vitiating Factors: Misrepresentation, Mistake, Duress and Undue Influence
- Privity of Contract and Third-Party Rights
- Interpretation of Contract Terms: Express and Implied Terms
- Discharge of Contract: Performance, Agreement, Breach and Frustration
- Remedies for Breach of Contract: Damages, Specific Performance, Injunctions
- Impact of Consumer Rights Act on Contract Law
- Jurisdiction and Applicable Law in Contractual Disputes
☑️ Essential requirements of contract, including privity of contract 18 topics
- Understanding the Concept of Contract
- Formation of a Contract: Offer and Acceptance
- Consideration: Role and Importance
- Elements of a Legally Binding Contract: Intent, Capacity, Legality of Object
- Terms of Contracts: Express and Implied Terms
- Express Terms: Conditions, Warranties and Innominate Terms
- Implied Terms: Statute, Customs and Courts
- Privity of Contract: Meaning and Implications
- Exceptions to Privity of Contract: Agency, Trusts, Collateral Contracts
- Case Laws Influencing the Doctrine of Privity
- Contract Enforcement: Rights of Third Parties
- Impact of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 on Privity
- Remedies for Breach of Contract: Damages, Injunction, Specific Performance
- Effect of Mistake, Misrepresentation, Duress and Undue Influence on Contracts
- Discharge of a Contract: Performance, Agreement, Breach
- Impact of Contract Law on Everyday Life
- The Role of Contract Law in the Economy and Society
- Recent Developments and Future of Contract Law
☑️ Express and implied terms, conditions, warranties and innominate terms, exclusion and limitation clauses 13 topics
- Understanding the Concept of Contractual Terms
- Distinguishing Between Express and Implied Terms
- Understanding Conditions and Warranties: Definitions and Differences
- Role of Conditions, Warranties, and Innominate Terms in Contracts
- Statutory Implied Terms: The Sale of Goods Act 1979
- Implied Terms in Consumer Contracts
- Formation, Impact and Enforceability of Exclusion Clauses
- Application and Interpretation of Exclusion Clauses: Relevant Case Laws
- Understanding the Concept of Limitation Clauses and their Usage in Contracts
- The Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977: Regulation and Impact on Exclusion and Limitation Clauses
- Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Use of Exclusion and Limitation Clauses in Protecting Consumers
- The Role of Reasonableness and Fairness in Contract Law
- Additional Protection Offered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
☑️ Misrepresentation and economic duress 10 topics
- Understanding the Concept of Misrepresentation in Contract Law
- Types of Misrepresentation: Innocent, Negligent and Fraudulent
- Impact of Misrepresentation on Contract Formation
- Remedies Available for Victims of Misrepresentation
- Examination of Key Case Laws Related to Misrepresentation
- Introduction to the Concept of Economic Duress
- Differentiating Between Lawful Pressure and Economic Duress
- Impact of Economic Duress on Contract Validity
- Case Studies on Economic Duress: Overbearing of Parties' Free Will
- Legal Remedies for Victims of Economic Duress
☑️ Discharge of contract including breach of contract, performance and frustration 15 topics
- Introduction to Contract Discharge: Basic Concepts and Definitions
- Performance as a Method of Discharging Contracts: Complete, Partial, and Substantial Performance
- Examination of Legal Principles Associated with Performance
- Breach of Contract: Anticipatory and Actual Breach, Material and Minor Breach
- Legal Consequences and Remedies for Breach of Contract: Damages, Specific Performance and Injunctions
- Understanding the Doctrine of Frustration in Contract Law
- Effect of Frustration on Contract Obligations: Automatic Termination and Discharge of Liability
- The Law Reform (Frustrated Contracts) Act 1943 and its implications
- Distinguishing Frustration from Other Contract Discharge Methods: Breach and Agreement
- The Role of Courts in Assessing Frustration and remedies: Case Law Review
- Examination of Other Means of Contract Discharge: Agreement, Operation of Law
- Assessment of the Impact of Contract Discharge on the Parties involved
- Review of Disputed and Borderline Cases regarding Contract Discharge
- Evaluating the Fairness and Effectiveness of the Contract Discharge Mechanisms
- Future trends and potential reforms in the Law on Discharge of Contract
☑️ Remedies including damages and equitable remedies 14 topics
- Understanding the Concept of Remedies in Law
- Types of Damages: Compensatory, Punitive, and Nominal
- Basis for Awarding Damages: Causation, Remoteness, and Mitigation
- Assessment of Damages: Loss of Earnings, Pain and Suffering, Future Losses
- Equitable Remedies: Specific Performance, Injunctions, and Rescission
- Circumstances where Equitable Remedies are Awarded
- Limitations and Challenges in Enforcing Equitable Remedies
- The Role of Quantum Meruit
- Concepts of Restitution and Unjust Enrichment
- Reform Proposals and Controversies Surrounding Remedies
- Landmark Cases and their implications on Remedies
- Comparison of damages and equitable remedies: Advantages and Disadvantages
- The implications of Remedies for the Parties Involved
- The Interaction of Remedies with Other Areas of Law.
☑️ Rules and theory of criminal law 12 topics
- Foundations of Criminal Law: Purpose and Types of Punishments
- Criminal Liability: The Concept of Actus Reus
- Criminal Liability: Understanding Mens Rea
- General Defences in Criminal Law: Insanity, Automatism, Intoxication, Consent, and Self-defence
- Understanding of Strict Liability Offences
- Murder and Manslaughter: Definitions, Key Elements, and Distinctions
- Non-fatal Offences Against the Person: Assault, Battery, ABH, GBH
- Property Offences: Theft, Burglary, and Fraud
- Understanding Inchoate Offences: Attempts, Conspiracy, and Encouraging or Assisting Crime
- Various Category of Participants: Principals, Secondary Parties, Accessories
- Sexual Offences: Rape, Assault by Penetration, Sexual Assault, Consent
- Criticisms of Current Law and Proposals for Reform
☑️ General elements of liability 12 topics
- Introduction to the Concept of Liability
- Actus Reus: Definition, Elements and Importance
- Omissions and Liability: Understanding Situations Where an Omission Constitutes Actus Reus
- Causation: Factual Causation and Legal Causation in Liability
- Mens Rea: Different Types and Its Significance in Determining Liability
- Strict Liability: Aspects and Controversies
- Transferred Malice: Application and Impact on Liability
- Coincidence of Actus Reus and Mens Rea: Its Effect on Outcome of Liability
- Defences to Criminal Liability: Automatism, Insanity, Self-defence, Consent, Duress, and Necessity
- Vicarious Liability: Concept and its Application in Establishing Liability
- Joint Criminal Liability: Principles and Effect
- Evaluation of General Principles of Liability: Strengths, Weaknesses and Reform Proposals
☑️ Offences against the person 10 topics
- Understanding the Definitions and Elements of Offences Against the Person
- Legal Framework of Non-Fatal Offences: Assault and Battery
- Classification and Implications of Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)
- Detailed Review of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and Wounding
- Role of Mens Rea in Offences Against the Person
- Consent as a Defence in Offences Against the Person
- Examination of Other Defences: Self-Defence, Duress and Necessity
- The Impact of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861
- Criticisms and Proposals for Reform of Offences Against the Person
- Understanding Case Law in Relation to Offences Against the Person
☑️ Property offences, including theft and robbery 12 topics
- Understanding the Legal Definition of Theft
- Actus Reus of Theft: Appropriation
- Property as Per the Theft Act
- Actus Reus of Theft: Belonging to Another
- Mens Rea for Theft: Dishonesty
- Mens Rea for Theft: Intention to Permanently Deprive
- The Law on Robbery
- Defining Force in Robbery
- Differences Between Theft and Robbery
- Landmark Case Laws on Theft and Robbery
- Defences to Theft and Robbery
- The Impact of Theft and Robbery Charges on Society
☑️ Defences 14 topics
- Understanding the Nature and Role of Defences in Legal Processes
- Self-Defence: Legal Principles and Case Studies
- Defence of Consent: When and How it Applies
- Defence of Duress: Threats and their Legal Implications
- Defence of Necessity: Exceptional Circumstances Leading to Criminal Behaviour
- Automatism: Non-Insane and Insane Automatism
- Insanity Defence: Legal Criteria and Evaluation
- Intoxication as a Defence: Voluntary and Involuntary Intoxication
- Defence of Mistake: Genuine Mistakes and Their Legal Implications
- Defence from Criminal Liability: Justifications and Excuses
- Evaluation of the Fairness and Efficiency of Defences in Law
- Volenti non fit injuria and Contributory Negligence in Tort Law
- Case Law Influencing the Application of Defences in Criminal and Civil Law
- Possible Alternatives and Reforms to the Current System of Defences.
☑️ Preliminary offences of attempt 10 topics
- Understanding the Concept of Attempt in Criminal Law
- The Actus Reus of Attempts: The 'More Than Merely Preparatory' Test
- The Mens Rea of Attempts: Intention and Specific Intent Crimes
- Legal Impossibility vs Factual Impossibility in Attempts: Differentiating and Understanding
- Case Studies on Attempted Crimes: R v Gullefer, R v Jones
- Evaluation of the Legal Rules on Attempts: Their Effectiveness and Criticisms
- Extension of Liability through Attempt: Evaluating the Impact on Individual Liberty
- Impact of Human Rights Act on Laws Pertaining to Attempts
- Principle of 'Last Act' and 'First Act' in Context of Attempts
- Reform Proposals for Attempt Law: Comparative Study, Potential Changes and their Impact

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A Level Law WJEC - English Legal System - Introduction to Law and the English Legal System Content Preview

English Legal System

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Introduction to Law and the English Legal System

Law as a Discipline

Law is a set of rules developed by a governing body to regulate members of society.
Study of law includes understanding its nature, functions and the impact it has on society.
It is a guild discipline, implying that it has its own specific language and methods.

The English Legal System: Overview

The English legal system is the legal system governing England and Wales.
The system is common law based, a system developed through court decisions rather than written statutes.
It includes central concepts such as rule of law, separation of powers and fundamental human rights.
Other relevant bodies of law, such as the European Union law and international law, also play a part in the English Legal System.

Hierarchy of Courts

There is a tiered court structure with different courts dealing with various types of cases.
The Supreme Court is the ultimate authority for civil and criminal cases.
Below the Supreme Court are, among others, the Court of Appeal, High Court, County Court, and Magistrates' Court.
Judicial precedent, the system where lower courts respect the decisions of higher courts, is an important principle in the English legal system.

Law Making in the English Legal System

Legislation or statutory law, usually enacted by the Parliament, is the primary source of law.
The Parliament is considered sovereign, meaning its power is unlimited and it can make, amend or repeal any law.
Secondary sources include precedent (previous decisions by courts) and delegated legislation (laws made by an individual or body under powers given to them by an Act of Parliament).
The law commission plays a crucial role in recommending reforms to existing laws.

Individual Rights and the Law

The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.
It has had a significant impact on the English legal system by enabling courts to rule that certain actions by public bodies are contrary to human rights.
Judicial review is the exercise of the courts' power to review laws and government acts for their legality.

Legal Professionals

The legal profession in England and Wales is divided into two main branches: solicitors and barristers.
Solicitors handle most pre-court aspects of a case, including legal documents, correspondence, and advice.
Barristers, also known as advocates, traditionally have the right of audience in court to represent their client.

Justice and the Legal System

The English legal system aims to provide justice, which involves fair and impartial treatment.
This is achieved by the adversarial system of justice, where the truth is determined by the argumentative skills of the lawyers representing opposing parties.
Additionally, legal remedies, sentences and punishments aim to achieve retributive justice (punishment), rehabilitative justice (reform), and deterrent justice (prevention).

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