OCR A-Level Law Active Recall Guide (H418)
OCR · A-Level
OCR A-Level Law Active Recall Guide
A question-and-answer revision guide for OCR A-Level Law, built to be worked in three passes rather than read.
- OCR
- A-Level
- Specification H418
- 10 topics
The 3-step active recall method
Re-reading notes is a futile process when your aim is to remember the information and successfully apply it in exam settings. Active recall is the method you use to ensure the information sticks for a long period of time.
But even active recall can be futile unless you have a structured way of implementing it. This is where the 3-step active recall method comes in, a structured method that is signature to the Levo Learning guides.
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Step 1
Answer up to 10 questions cold, closed book, even if you are unsure on the topic.
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Step 2
Answer the same questions again, but open book. Write the correct answer down even if it seems pointless.
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Step 3
Repeat as step 1 and answer the questions closed book again.
Worked across the OCR A-Level Law specification, one subtopic at a time.
The subject, and what is assessed
OCR A-Level Law (specification H418) is assessed by three written components, each lasting 2 hours and carrying 80 marks. Component 01 covers the legal system and criminal law.
Component 02 covers law making and the law of tort. For the third component a student sits the nature of law with either human rights or the law of contract.
Each component pairs shorter questions with legal scenario and extended response questions, so cases have to be recalled precisely enough to apply to unseen facts.
| Paper | Covers | Length | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Component 01 | The legal system and criminal law | 2 hours | 80 marks | 33.3% |
| Component 02 | Law making and the law of tort | 2 hours | 80 marks | 33.3% |
| Component 03 | The nature of law, with either human rights or the law of contract | 2 hours | 80 marks | 33.3% |
Memorisation, then application
Marks are given for applying content to the question that has been set, which cannot happen while the content is still being looked up. Step 1 shows what is actually held.
Step 2 puts the correct wording in front of you while the gap is still fresh. Step 3 repeats the cold test, and the difference between the first and third attempt is the part that has moved.
Every question in the guide is paired with its answer in the same document, so step 2 is done from the guide itself rather than from a separate set of notes.
What is inside the guide
Questions are grouped by topic and then by subtopic, following the OCR specification. Open a topic to see its subtopics.
The Legal System4 subtopics
- Civil courts and other forms of dispute resolution51
- Criminal courts and lay people63
- Legal personnel67
- Access to justice22
Criminal Law10 subtopics
- Rules and theory37
- Murder14
- Voluntary manslaughter15
- Involuntary manslaughter15
- Fatal offences against the person13
- Non-fatal offences against the person20
- Offences against property41
- Mental capacity defences39
- General defences38
- Preliminary offences17
General Elements of Criminal Liability4 subtopics
- Actus reus45
- Mens rea16
- Non-fatal offences against the person43
- Evaluation24
Law Making6 subtopics
- Parliamentary law making51
- Delegated legislation30
- Statutory interpretation24
- Judicial precedent38
- Law reform27
- European Union law39
The Law of Tort11 subtopics
- Rules and theory of tort10
- Negligence: duty of care12
- Negligence: breach of duty14
- Negligence: causation and remoteness of damage12
- Occupiers' liability: lawful visitors (Occupiers' Liability Act 1957)14
- Occupiers' liability: trespassers (Occupiers' Liability Act 1984)12
- Torts connected to land61
- Vicarious liability19
- Defences28
- Remedies41
- Evaluation of negligence and occupiers' liability10
The Nature of Law2 subtopics
- Introduction to the nature of law44
- Law and society32
Human Rights Law3 subtopics
- Protection of the individual's human rights and freedoms in the UK20
- Key provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights54
- Human rights and English law51
Enforcement of Human Rights Law4 subtopics
- Role of domestic courts30
- The process of judicial review25
- The role of the European Court of Human Rights18
- Critical evaluation of human rights protection in the UK53
The Law of Contract4 subtopics
- Formation29
- Terms15
- Discharge31
- Remedies15
Vitiating Factors2 subtopics
- Misrepresentation23
- Economic duress17
Sample questions
Taken from the OCR A-Level Law guide. Answer each one closed book first, then open the answer.
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The Legal System
What types of civil cases does the County Court have jurisdiction over, and what is its typical financial limit?
Show the answer
The County Court handles most civil cases including contract, tort, and family matters, typically for claims up to £100,000. -
Criminal Law
How is a crime defined in criminal law?
Show the answer
A crime is conduct prohibited by the state, punishable by sanctions imposed through criminal proceedings, and considered sufficiently harmful to the public interest to warrant prosecution by the state rather than private action. -
General Elements of Criminal Liability
What is meant by the term 'actus reus' in criminal law?
Show the answer
The actus reus is the physical or external element of a crime, comprising the guilty act, omission, or state of affairs required by the offence definition. -
Law Making
How does a White Paper differ from a Green Paper in terms of policy commitment?
Show the answer
A Green Paper invites consultation on proposals before decisions are made, whereas a White Paper presents firm proposals the government intends to legislate. -
The Law of Tort
What is the primary aim of the law of tort?
Show the answer
To compensate a claimant for harm (injury, damage or loss) caused by another's wrongful conduct, so far as money can, putting the claimant back in the position they would have been in had the tort not occurred. -
The Nature of Law
What distinguishes legal rules from other rules of behaviour such as social customs or religious codes?
Show the answer
Legal rules are enforceable by the state through courts and carry sanctions, whereas social customs, etiquette, or religious codes lack formal state enforcement mechanisms. -
Human Rights Law
What historical event drove the creation of the European Convention on Human Rights?
Show the answer
The Second World War and the desire to prevent the atrocities and human rights abuses that occurred during that conflict. -
Enforcement of Human Rights Law
Before the Human Rights Act 1998 came into force in 2000, could individuals directly enforce Convention rights in domestic courts?
Show the answer
No, individuals could not directly enforce Convention rights in domestic courts before the HRA 1998 came into force.
Questions about this guide
How do you use active recall for OCR A-Level Law?
Answer up to 10 questions cold and closed book. Answer the same questions again open book, writing the correct answer down.
Then answer them closed book one more time. The difference between the first and third attempt is what has moved into recall.
How is OCR A-Level Law assessed?
OCR A-Level Law is assessed by 3 components: Component 01, the legal system and criminal law (2 hours, 80 marks, 33.3%); Component 02, law making and the law of tort (2 hours, 80 marks, 33.3%); Component 03, the nature of law, with either human rights or the law of contract (2 hours, 80 marks, 33.3%).
What topics does the OCR A-Level Law active recall guide cover?
It covers The Legal System, Criminal Law, General Elements of Criminal Liability, Law Making, The Law of Tort, The Nature of Law, Human Rights Law, Enforcement of Human Rights Law, The Law of Contract and Vitiating Factors.
Is the OCR A-Level Law guide a PDF?
Yes. It is a digital PDF sent to the email address on your order after purchase.
Check the address is correct at checkout, and check junk or spam if it has not arrived.
Does the guide include the answers?
Yes. Every question has its answer in the same document, grouped by topic, so step 2 of the method is done from the guide.
OCR A-Level Law Active Recall Guide
Every question paired with its answer, grouped by topic, ready to work in three passes.