AQA A Level Law specification (7162)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA A Level Law exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA A Level Law specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA A Level Law (7162) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The AQA A-level Law specification enables students to gain a solid grounding in the English legal system, focusing on both public and private areas of law. It fosters the development of analytical reasoning, critical thinking and problem-solving, alongside the ability to construct persuasive legal arguments. The course offers insight into real-life legal issues and supports progression to further study or legal careers. Emphasis is placed on clarity, logical structure and understanding of core legal principles and institutions.
Subject content breakdown
The Nature of Law and the English Legal System
- Role and types of law: public vs private, criminal vs civil
- Law and society: justice, morality, fault, rule of law
- Law-making: parliamentary process, delegated legislation, statutory interpretation, judicial precedent, law reform, European Union law
- Legal system: structure and function of courts, legal personnel, funding and access to justice
Criminal Law
- Elements of criminal liability: actus reus, mens rea, strict liability
- Fatal offences: murder, voluntary and involuntary manslaughter
- Non-fatal offences: assault, battery, ABH, GBH
- Property offences: theft, robbery
- Preliminary offence: attempt
- Defences: insanity, automatism, intoxication, duress, self-defence
Tort Law
- Negligence: duty of care, breach, causation
- Psychiatric injury, economic loss
- Occupiers' liability, nuisance, Rylands v Fletcher
- Vicarious liability
- Defences and remedies
Options (Choose one) Law of Contract
- Formation: offer, acceptance, consideration, intention
- Terms: express and implied (including consumer law)
- Vitiating factors: misrepresentation, duress
- Discharge: performance, breach, frustration
- Remedies: damages, specific performance, rescission
Human Rights
- Rights under the ECHR: life, liberty, privacy, expression, assembly
- Human Rights Act 1998 and its impact
- Legal enforcement and judicial review
- Reform and criticisms of the current framework
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Criminal Law and Nature of Law
- 2-hour written exam
- 100 marks
- 33% of A-level
- Includes multiple choice, short answer, and extended response questions
Paper 2: Tort Law and Nature of Law
- 2-hour written exam
- 100 marks
- 33% of A-level
- Includes multiple choice, short answer, and extended response questions
Paper 3: Contract Law or Human Rights and Nature of Law
- 2-hour written exam
- 100 marks
- 33% of A-level
- Includes multiple choice, short answer, and extended response questions
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA A Level Law isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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