 >Legal Subjects
The English Legal System
The English Legal System puts the compulsory subjects into context by providing students with an understanding of: the rule of law; types of law; jurisdiction (where the law covers); the courts and appeal process; legal personnel (qualifications and training for solicitors, barristers and judges); how to read and research the law (both case law and statutes); the role of lay people (juries and magistrates); and the sources of law.
Criminal law
Criminal law is the means by which the government identifies and criminalises behaviour which is considered wrong, damaging to individuals or damaging to society. The study of criminal law covers the structure of a criminal act as well as the legal process for dealing with those acts. Most criminal offences consist of a guilty act (actus reus) and a guilty mind (mens rea) and both parts must be proved in court, beyond a reasonable doubt, before a defendant can be found guilty and then punished. The study of the legal process also provides students with an understanding of how the convicted party is then dealt with in terms of punishment.
Contract law
Contract law covers the promises which the law considers to be enforceable. These promises involve an exchange of something valuable which the law calls consideration. Consideration may be money, or something else such as goods. In the case of an employment contract the parties exchange 'money' for 'work'. Contract law deals with the terms of the contract, such as the hours to be worked, the place of work and the amount of pay. It enables parties to enforce terms of a contract or obtain compensation (damages) on occasions when contracts are broken (breached). A simple contract requires certain elements before it can be enforced. Establishing these elements forms the basis of the students' studies and the disputes which arise in contract law.
Employment Law
Employment law deals with the relationship between the employer and the employee. This relationship is based on contract law and the rights provided by statute. Employment law also deals with the imbalance in the power between the parties and many of the statutory rights which emanate from Europe have this purpose. Disputes in employment relationships are dealt with in employment tribunals and employment appeal tribunals. Guidance on both statutory protection and contractual obligations in employment can be obtained from ACAS.
Family law
Family law covers the law as it relates to relationships which form between individuals when they live together / marry. The law covers issues at the beginning of the relationship and issues when relationships become problematic or end. It seeks to protect those who suffer abuse, including children, but also cover current contentious issues such as forced marriage. This link provides access to family law updates and news. Free email updates on family law are available here from Jordan Publishing.
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