United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 12 Law.
This Year 12 Law curriculum introduces students to the foundational principles of the English legal system and the nature of law in society. Students will critically examine both criminal and tort law, developing robust analytical skills through the evaluation of legal rules and landmark cases.
01The English Legal System
An exploration of the structures, personnel, and funding mechanisms that underpin the English legal system.
Students examine the hierarchy and jurisdiction of the civil and criminal courts in England and Wales. They will evaluate the appellate processes and the role of lay people.
An analysis of the roles, training, and regulation of barristers, solicitors, and legal executives. Students also assess the independence and diversity of the judiciary.
A critical look at how legal services are funded, including state funding, conditional fee agreements, and the role of advice agencies.
02Law Making
A comprehensive study of how laws are created, interpreted, and developed within the UK constitution.
Students investigate the legislative process in Parliament, including the influences on Parliament and the stages of a Bill.
An examination of the types of delegated legislation, the reasons for its use, and the mechanisms for its control by Parliament and the courts.
A review of the rules, aids, and presumptions used by judges to interpret statutes. Students will apply the literal, golden, and mischief rules to legal scenarios.
An exploration of the doctrine of judicial precedent (stare decisis), the hierarchy of the courts in precedent, and how judges can avoid following past decisions.
03Criminal Law - Foundations and Non-Fatal Offences
An introduction to the fundamental principles of criminal liability and the specific rules governing non-fatal offences against the person.
Students explore the foundational concepts of actus reus and mens rea. They will analyse omissions, causation, and different types of fault.
An analysis of strict liability offences where mens rea is not required for at least one aspect of the actus reus. Students evaluate the justification for such offences.
A detailed study of assault, battery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and grievous bodily harm under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
04Tort Law - Negligence and Liability
A study of civil liability in tort, focusing on the rules of negligence, duty of care, and the liability of occupiers to lawful visitors and trespassers.
Students learn to establish liability in negligence by proving a duty of care, breach of duty, and resulting damage. They will apply the Caparo test and principles of causation.
An examination of the liability of occupiers for injuries sustained on their premises. Students will compare the Occupiers' Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984.
A review of the remedies available to a successful claimant in tort, focusing on compensatory damages and injunctions.