GCSE Law
Law is the fundamental underpinning of English society and knowledge of the Law is useful to a huge variety of subjects. The subject at GCSE establishes how the law is enforced and works as well as a number of key areas of English case law.
What is Law?
Law looks initially at the legal system of England and Wales. Students study the nature of law and how it is enforced alongside issues of justice, parliamentary law making, delegated law making and the issue of judicial precedent. The nature of the English legal system is explored in a variety of areas.
What will I study?
You will look at the English legal system and the hierarchy of courts as well as the role of different agencies in making and enforcing the law. You will also study the Law of Tort, Criminal Law, Family Law and Rights and Responsibilities. This will give you a detailed understanding of how the Law works and many key areas of the subject and this will serve as a good preparation for further study.
What will I gain from studying Law?
An understanding of the Law can help you to understand many other areas including History and Politics. The nature of Law means that you will study specific cases and see how these set precedents for later decisions and this will allow you to learn how to build clear, rational and well supported arguments based upon prior knowledge.
How is it assessed?
| Unit | Modules | Weighting | Format |
| 1 | The English Legal System | 50% | External Exam: 1 hour 30 mins |
| 2 | Law in Action | 50% | External Exam: 1 hour 30 mins |
Exam Board: AQA
What do I need?
The study of Law at GCSE requires no specific prior learning but a strong interest in the legal process is helpful as is the ability to think logically and to write clear and well-argued answers. Being able to read information in detail helps as the Law can often hinge on something relatively minor or obscure.
Related Subjects
Accreditations
