In the structured fabric of society, law serves as the fundamental mechanism for order and justice. This course invites you to explore the English legal system by moving from the machinery of law-making to the intricate application of liability and sentencing. You will gain a solid command of legal method and reasoning, where you will learn to process case law and maintain precise interpretation of statutes. Crucially, you will develop the technical ability to construct liability in criminal, tort, and contract scenarios while ensuring compliance with judicial precedent. By mastering the analysis of legal principles and the evaluation of reforms, you will be equipped to assess complex disputes using authoritative arguments and make reasoned judgments based on legal validity.
Core Content Areas
The Cambridge International AS & A Level Law syllabus is a rigorous qualification covering the English Legal System and substantive areas of law.
1. The English Legal System
Focuses on sources of law (legislation, precedent), the machinery of justice, court structures, and legal personnel.
2. Criminal Law: Principles
Explores the elements of crime (Actus Reus, Mens Rea), strict liability, and general defences such as self-defence and intoxication.
3. Criminal Law: Offences
Covers offences against the person (murder, manslaughter, non-fatal offences) and offences against property (theft, robbery, burglary).
4. Law of Contract (Formation)
Examines how contracts are made, including offer and acceptance, consideration, intention to create legal relations, and capacity.
5. Law of Contract (Vitiation & Discharge)
Investigates misrepresentation, mistake, frustration, breach of contract, and the remedies available for breach.
6. Law of Tort
Focuses on negligence, occupiers’ liability, nuisance, trespass to land/person, and remedies in tort law.
Assessment Structure
The Cambridge International AS & A Level Law is assessed via four written examination papers.
- Paper 1 (English Legal System): A 1-hour 30-minute exam. Candidates answer questions on the legal system, including criminal/civil processes and sentencing. (AS Level)
- Paper 2 (Criminal Law): A 1-hour 30-minute exam. Candidates answer questions on criminal liability and specific offences using case scenarios. (AS Level)
- Paper 3 (Law of Contract) & Paper 4 (Law of Tort): Each is a 1-hour 30-minute exam. These A Level papers involve essay questions and complex problem-solving scenarios based on substantive law.