Dear Prospective Law student,
The Law affects everyone one of us. ‘The Law’ is the rules society makes to regulate behaviour - and there are penalties for going against these rules! Knowledge of the Law and how it works is essential for every citizen. At some point in their lives, almost every one will come into contact with the Law: perhaps as a witness, victim, perpetrator, or juror. The law extends into many spheres of life: you might be involved in a civil dispute with a neighbour, or have bought a product that is faulty. Knowing your rights and responsibilities will help you make sure the Law works for you.
The skills you need for the study of Law are curiosity, attention to detail and critical thinking. Here are a range of resources and activities for you to do before you start the subject in September. Send evidence of your learning (see below for instructions) to be entered in a prize draw.
Learn: Take an online course on crime and the criminal law from Futurelearn. When you’ve completed the course, send a screenshot of the completion page to a.fleming@sfx.ac.uk to be entered in a prize draw
Watch: There are plenty of films that highlight the importance of the law. Try and watch at least 3 of these over the summer. Write a 200 word review of one of the films and send it to to a.fleming@sfx.ac.uk to be entered in a prize draw.
Read: If you want to make it in law, READ. Send a pic of you reading one of these books to a.fleming@sfx.ac.uk to be entered in a prize draw!
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‘In Black and White’ - by Alexandra Wilson. A young barrister’s story of race and class in a broken criminal justice system (you can follow Alexandra on Instagram @essexbarrister)
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‘The Secret Barrister’ - by the Secret Barrister. This is an insider’s account of the Law, how it works and how sometimes it doesn't.
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‘In your Defence - True Stories of life and Law’ - by Sarah Langford
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‘Letters to a Law Student’ - by Nicholas McBride
Keep up to date with the news and current affairs. Legal matters are part of everyday life. Read a quality newspaper, such as the Independent, The Times or The Guardian, or the online newspaper www.huffingtonpost.co.uk Cut out and keep - or copy and paste stories relating to:
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Criminal or civil trials
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The Courts
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Cuts to Legal Aid
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Terrorism
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New Laws
Listen: There are various podcasts of programmes related to the Law. Here are 3 suggestions. LIsten to at least 2 episodes, and make notes. Then write a summary of the main issues raised in the programme
Taking it even further: research the legal principle of Double Jeopardy - why it is important, and why it has been partially abolished… Send a screenshot of the completion page to a.fleming@sfx.ac.uk to be entered in a prize draw
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/society-politics-law/law/what-double-jeopardy?in_menu=771443
Ms Fleming