LAW
A LEVEL
OCR GCE AS/A2
Head of Department – Colin Barnard
Skills you will develop on this course
The law teaches you to become a critical consumer of information and to express your point of view in a
clear and concise manner. You will hone your debating skills and develop the capacity to support a point
of view with reference to evidence. Later units will allow you to develop independent legal research
skills, including use of legal databases, journals and case material. Study skills and exam preparation
will also be addressed.
Topics studied
UNIT 1 (AS) Unit G151: English Legal System
This unit develops your knowledge and understanding of the English legal system. This includes both
civil and criminal law, the court system, police powers, the penal system and the various groups and
individuals involved in the administration of law.
UNIT 2(AS) Unit G152: Sources of Law
This unit is based on areas of knowledge and understanding of the sources of law in England and
Wales. This includes precedent, legislation, statutory interpretation, delegated legislation, European
Union law, and law reform.
UNIT 3 (A2) Unit G153: Criminal Law
This unit allows you to develop your knowledge and understanding of the criminal law and to develop a
critical awareness of the present state of criminal law in relation both to the scope of specific crimes and
the applicability of particular defences.
UNIT 4 (A2) A2 Unit G154: Criminal Law Special Study
This unit is based on pre-released materials: a special study booklet sent from OCR, which provides a
starting point for the study of each set topic. Booklets contain source material, such as extracts
judgements on specific area(s) of criminal law.
Where does the course lead?
Whether the student intends to pursue a future in the law itself or has merely a passing interest, the
pervasiveness of law means that it is a highly valued area of education for all careers. The discipline
and approach developed during the study of law will prepare you for a large variety of careers. These
might include finance, commerce, journalism, politics, civil service, local government, business
management, academia and of course, the law.
Assessment and Exams
Unit 1
AS Written exam: 2 hours. This exam has two sections- a) Candidates are required to answer at least
one question from a choice of 5 essay style questions and b) candidates are required to answer two
application style questions in order to show the application of skills acquired.
Unit 2
AS Written exam: 1 hour. This exam is based on the English legal system and consists of two source
based questions that involve analysis, explanation and legal reasoning.
Unit 3
A2 Written exam: 2 hours. Candidates are required to answer one essay question, one problem
question and one dilemma board question.
Unit 4
A2 Written exam 1 hour 30 minutes. Candidates are required to answer three questions on source
material based on this area of substantive law in the context of legal processes, legal issues and the
development of law contained in the specification.
Entry Requirements
5 A* - Cs at GCSE, including Grade C or above in English Language.
Revised Sept 2014