Comprehensive Study Guide for Legal System and Criminal Law Paper 1 & 2
Overview and Assessment Structure of Paper 1 The examination for Paper 1 is designed to assess a comprehensive range of topics within the Legal System, as well as specific, designated portions of Criminal Law. As indicated in the handbook distributed at the commencement of the academic year, the exam is bifurcated into two primary sections. Section A necessitates that candidates provide responses for two specific items: one question worth 8 marks and a second question worth 12 marks. Section B shifts the assessment methodology toward application, requiring students to answer two scenario-based questions. # Detailed Content for Paper 1 Section A: The Legal System Section A covers the entirety of the Legal System curriculum addressed during the course. The subject matter is categorized into three major domains. First, it includes the study of Civil Courts and the various methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Second, it focuses on Criminal Courts and the utilization of Lay People within the judicial process, such as jurors and magistrates. Third, the section examines the roles, responsibilities, and professional pathways of Legal Personnel. # Detailed Content for Paper 1 Section B: Criminal Law (Reduced Content) While Paper 1 includes Criminal Law, the scope is restricted to a specific subset of topics rather than the full breadth of the subject. The required areas of study are as follows: 1. General Elements of Liability: This includes the fundamental principles necessary to establish criminal responsibility. 2. Non-fatal Offences: This covers the range of criminal acts against the person that do not result in death. 3. Involuntary Manslaughter: The syllabus specifically limits this topic to two categories: Unlawful Act Manslaughter and Gross Negligence Manslaughter. 4. Defences: The curriculum covers three specific legal defences: Intoxication, Self-defence, and Consent. # Overview and Assessment Structure of Paper 2 Paper 2 is centered on the comprehensive topic of Law Making. The structure of this examination mirrors the quantitative requirements of Paper 1 Section A. Specifically, students are required to deliver answers for one question valued at 8 marks and one question valued at 12 marks. The content parameters for Law Making are further detailed in the brief provided within the course materials and the initial student handbook.