This month we are focusing upon answering the question. At the end of each sub-heading paragraph(s) you should relate back to the essay title/question. In the conclusion, you MUST relate back to the words in the title.

I have marked essays in which students gave 100 words and 103 words in a sentence. Plain English editors, like Whitesmoke, mark out such sentences as showing a poor writing style. The modern trend is to average around 14 words per sentence. Some authors give much less. Proof read your work please.

Strode's College Students in the UK Supreme Court.

Students from the Department of Laws really shined at the Opening Ceremony of the Supreme Court on Friday 16th October 2009. They demonstrated a clear ability to present a moot and argue points of law before nine Supreme Court judges. Questions flowed from the judges, but the students responded with confidence and charm.

The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, and others complimented them on their success. They spoke with the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Archbishop of Canterbury and even John Roberts the Chief Justice from the US Supreme Court.  The number of senior Judges and dignitaries who stopped me to congratulate me on the success of the students is beyond counting. Well done to all of the students involved. You are stars. 

See the BBC website newstory.    more »

 When you undertake Laws Homework you need to search out articles, information, materials, textbooks, that will help you answer the question. It should take a week of research to complete an essay. The idea is   more »

In the forthcoming day/week nearly ALL Laws students will face Mini-Mock Examinations (start planning your answer now): Follow the link ...

AS Law - A2 Criminal Law - AS UK Politics - A2 US Politics - A2 Citizenship - AS Citizenship - AS Citizenship Additional Work.  For more essays - visit the EssayBank.

Remember that you can use a plan in the Mini-Mock examination - you cannot use a textbook. If you miss the exam/class - you need to do the work for the next lesson you attend (you may also be given another essay from the Essaybank).

The examination questions for the week commencing Monday 16th November are:

(a) 'Describe and explain the various types of publicly funded advice and representation available in criminal cases.' (18 marks)

and

(b) 'Discuss the problems associated with the availability of legal advice in civil cases.' (12 marks)  

Note: Remember to bring your plan. You can use your plan in class, but you cannot use a textbook.

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The examination question for the week commencing Monday 9th November is:

(a) 'Describe the jurisdiction of both the High Court and the County Court in civil cases, including the track system.' (18 marks)

and

(b) 'Discuss the advantages of using Alternative Dispute Resolution rather than using the courts.' (12 marks)

Note: Remember to bring your plan. You can use your plan in class, but you cannot use a textbook.

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The examination question for the week commencing Monday 19th October is:

(a) 'Describe both the training of barristers and how complaints about barristers are made and dealt with.' (18 marks)

and

(b) 'Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the current system of training barristers.' (12 marks) 

Note: Remember to bring your plan. You can use your plan in class, but you cannot use a textbook.

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The examination question for the week commencing Monday 12th October is:

(a) 'Describe the qualification, selection and training of judges.' (18 marks)

and

(b) 'Discuss the ways in which judicial independence is maintained.' (12 marks)

Note: Remember to bring your plan. You can use your plan in class, but you cannot use a textbook.

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Mock examination for week commencing 2nd November 2009:

Vincent is a Vicar who frequently drinks and then batters his wife Sally, who takes pills for depression. One night, Vincent comes home drunk and finds Sally in the kitchen. He tells her she is a 'hopeless housewife' and she must clean up the kitchen or he will chain her to the sink and beat her.  Sally responds by grabbing the kitchen knife, and stabbing him six times (killing him instantly).

Discuss Sally's liability for Vincent's death. Consider any possible statutory defences open to her.  Would it make any difference, to the outcome of the trial, if Sally had waited till Vincent went to sleep before stabbing him? [50 marks].

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Wednesday and Thursday 14th and 15th October do the following examination questions:

(1) Discuss whether the common law governing the offence of murder is satisfactory or is in need of reform by Parliament (do not consider causation issues in answering the question).

(2) Discuss whether causation is in need of reform when it comes to murder/manslaughter.

Friday 16th October (all classes)  Do the problem question (Unit 2571, January 2006) on page 65 of 'OCR Criminal Law for A2' by Jacqueline Martin.

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Week commencing 5th October 2009. The examination question to be undertaken by ALL A2 Criminal Law students (timed in exam conditions either at home or at College on the 5th or 6th October 2009) is:

'Discuss whether the current law relating to attempted crimes strikes the right balance between protecting society and convicting those who deserve to be punished.'

To be handed in on Wednesday 7th October (duly self-assessed).

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The examination question for week commencing 28th September 2009 is.: 'The meaning of intention in criminal law has now been clearly settled by decisions of the courts and there is no longer any need for Parliament to legislate upon the matter'.

Critically consider whether you agree with this statement.

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The examination question for week commencing 21st September 2009 is.: 'Strict liability is a necessary evil in order to protect the public from harm'. Discuss.

The examination question for week commencing 14th September 2009 is : 'Is the law on omissions clear, or is there a need for reform?' 50 minute essay.

You can use a plan in class, you cannot use a textbook.