Overview
This lecture introduces the AQA A-Level Law course, outlines its core and optional modules, and explains the subject's relevance, structure, and major areas of study.
Introduction to A-Level Law
- AQA A-Level Law follows a specific specification focusing only on required exam content.
- The course is designed for all students, not just future lawyers or law students.
- Studying law at A level builds analytical, critical thinking, and academic skills.
- No requirement to study law at university to do A-Level Law, and vice versa.
Course Structure and Topics
- The course covers five major topics: the nature of law and the English legal system, criminal law, tort law, contract law, and human rights law.
- Core modules (mandatory): nature of law and the English legal system, criminal law, and tort law.
- Optional modules (choose one): contract law or human rights law, depending on your school or college.
Summary of Core Topics
- The nature of law covers theoretical and philosophical aspects of law, such as the relationship between law and morality.
- The English legal system includes the structure of courts, Parliament, law-making, and distinctions between criminal and civil justice systems.
- Criminal law focuses on crimes like murder, manslaughter, theft, assault, and legal concepts such as actus reus and mens rea.
- Tort law deals with civil wrongs, such as negligence, and compensation for harm rather than criminal punishment.
Overview of Optional Modules
- Contract law involves agreements, consideration, intention to create legal relations, third party rights, breaches, and contract termination.
- Human rights law covers the European Convention on Human Rights, the European Court of Human Rights, and UK domestic application via the Human Rights Act.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Actus Reus — the physical act or conduct element of a crime.
- Mens Rea — the mental state or intent element required for a crime.
- Tort — a civil wrong causing harm, generally remedied by compensation, not criminal prosecution.
- Contract — a legally binding agreement between parties with specific essential elements.
- Human Rights Act — UK legislation incorporating the European Convention on Human Rights into domestic law.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review introductory materials on the nature of law and the English legal system.
- Identify which optional module (contract or human rights) your course will include.
- Prepare for the next lesson on the nature of law and the English legal system.