Law *
Law plays a vital role within our society and studying it gives a thorough understanding of how law is created, administered and changed.
It explores what influences the laws we have and evaluates how effective our laws and legal system are in representing the pluralistic society in which we live.
The course highlights how laws impact every aspect of our lives from our rights to legal representation at court to the duty of care we owe to others. With the continued cuts to our Justice System, it is more important than ever that students understand our legal system, the rights afforded to them and how they could be infringed.
Studying Law at A level allows students to understand the parliamentary democratic process and the need to protect freedom of expression as well as the importance of upholding the rule of law by ensuring the transparency of our courts and independence of our judiciary. It demonstrates why our justice system is a fundamental part of our society, while also reinforcing the need for values such as personal and social responsibility. The course encompasses both criminal and civil laws, ranging from our most serious fatal offences such as murder, to cases of neighbour disputes in private nuisance. It includes the study of our Human Rights and the disparity between how they are enforced across the globe. By the end of the two-year course, students will be able to explain how the legal system in England works including the function of our different Courts, who we find within them and how they come to their decisions. It includes how our laws are made, interpreted and how our students can influence them, leading to students developing an appreciation of the different types of justice and how they can be achieved by the English Legal System.
The study of Law also encourages students to develop the skills needed to analyse and solve problems by applying rules, and to develop the ability to communicate arguments and judgements clearly and succinctly. It will help students validate arguments and develop an enquiring and critical mind. Therefore, it provides an excellent background for university and careers not only in law, but also in local and central government, journalism, teaching, and a range of management and business areas.