Welcome to the Department of Laws

1
Welcome to the Department of Laws

• Dr Peter Jepson (Head of Laws)
• Mrs Anna Lindley
• Ms Romana Choudrey

2
What subjects do we teach?

• AS Law (legal basics)
• A2 Law (Criminal Law).
• AS Citizenship - your rights as a Citizen
• ILEX Paralegal Course (GCSE equiv)
• Employment Law (SROCN)
• Laws Research - History of Law and/or Active
  Citizenship.

3
Each subject is taught differently - but

• AS and A2 Law - read précis - use Intranet
  materials.
• AS Citizenship - limited read précis, - more
  discussion. Use video etc.
• We visit Courts (Reading - Old Bailey).
• We have an Essay Competition and a Mooting
  Competition.

4
We dont have time to talk about all subject
areas.

• We will talk about Criminal Law -
• This involves Murder, Manslaughter, GBH,
  Assault, Robbery, Burglary plus other areas
  (defences, intoxication, insanity etc)
• Today we will talk about Murder ...

5
Amy and Lee are boyfriend and girlfriend

• Amy (14) is taking pills for depression given to
  her by her Doctor. One day, Lee tells Amy he is
  now going out with Mandy.
• Amy is furious and gets a knife and stabs him.
  Amy is charged with Lees murder. What defences
  exist?

6
Amy could be guilty because

• She has fulfilled the actus reus (guilty act) and
  possesses the necessary mens rea (guilty mind).

7
Possible defence

• Could Amy claim diminished responsibility?
• What is it?
• What evidence exists to back it up?

8
Is there another defence?

• Was Amy provoked?
• Should that be a defence?

9
Which Court would the case be heard in?

• Who prosecutes?
• Would you find Amy guilty?
• If so, what kind of sentence should she be given?

10
Law can be difficult

• It can also be fun.
• We aim to make it fun.
• However, we will not hide the fact that if you
  want to succeed - you must work.
• AS and A-Levels are not easy.