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EnglandLegal Studies

Legal Skills and Method (AO2 and AO3)

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you build a balanced, critical argument that evaluates the law and reaches a judgement?

The evaluation essay (AO3): structuring a balanced argument, analysing strengths and weaknesses, using examples, cases and reform proposals, and reaching a reasoned conclusion.
An Eduqas A-Level Law guide to the evaluation essay (AO3). Explains how to structure a balanced argument, analyse strengths and weaknesses, use examples and reform proposals and reach a conclusion, with worked examples and the technique the Component 3 paper rewards.
16 min answer →

How do you turn a set of facts into a reasoned legal conclusion that wins AO2 marks?

The scenario application question (AO2): the IRAC structure (issue, rule, application, conclusion), identifying the legal issues in a factual problem, applying authority to the facts, and reaching a reasoned conclusion.
An Eduqas A-Level Law guide to the scenario application question (AO2). Explains the IRAC structure, identifying the issues, applying the law to the facts and reaching a conclusion, with worked examples and the technique the Component 2 paper rewards.
16 min answer →

How do you use cases and statutes as authority accurately and to best effect in an answer?

Using cases and statutes accurately: citing the relevant statute (and section) and the leading case by name, stating the legal principle correctly, knowing when authority has been overruled or amended, and deploying authority across all assessment objectives.
An Eduqas A-Level Law guide to using cases and statutes accurately. Explains how to cite the relevant statute and case, state the principle correctly, track overruling and amendment, and deploy authority across the assessment objectives, with worked examples.
15 min answer →