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How To Write Definitions That Get Full AO1 Marks Every Time In AS Level Law 9084

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Why AO1 Definitions Matter

  • AO1 is a major portion of Paper 1 and Paper 2.
  • Examiners look for precision, not paragraphs.
  • A definition is correct only when legally accurate.
  • Wrong or vague wording = lost marks.
  • Accurate AO1 supports AO2 because application becomes clearer.
  • A* students use minimal-word definitions that hit the legal core.

A Structure For Every Definition*

  • Legal term
  • Short meaning
  • Authority (statute or case)
  • 10–15 words maximum
  • Zero filler

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Law Free Material

How To Memorise Definitions Fast

  • Use short micro-definitions.
  • Avoid textbook-style sentences.
  • Write one-page AO1 summary sheets.
  • Use spaced repetition: 1–2–4–7–14 day recall.
  • Speak definitions aloud for reinforcement.
  • Group definitions by topic (ELS / Criminal Law / Property Offences / Sentencing).

A Definitions For English Legal System (Paper 1)*

1. Parliamentary Law Making

  • “A bill is a proposed law presented to Parliament.”
  • “Green papers contain government consultation ideas.”
  • “White papers contain final government proposals.”
  • “Parliamentary supremacy = Parliament has ultimate law-making authority.”
  • “Royal Assent = formal approval making bill an Act.”
  • “Pressure groups influence Parliament through campaigns.”
  • “Public opinion influences law reform through national reaction.”
  • “Media affects legislative priorities through public exposure.”
  • “The Law Commission reviews and recommends law reform.”

2. Delegated Legislation

  • “Delegated legislation = law made under authority of Parliament.”
  • “Orders in Council = laws made by the Privy Council.”
  • “Statutory instruments = rules made by ministers.”
  • “Bylaws = local rules made by public authorities.”
  • “Procedural ultra vires = incorrect procedure used.”
  • “Substantive ultra vires = act exceeds delegated powers.”
  • “Unreasonableness = decision beyond what any reasonable authority would make.”
  • “Affirmative resolution = Parliament must approve.”
  • “Negative resolution = becomes law unless challenged.”

3. Statutory Interpretation

  • “Literal rule = ordinary meaning of words.”
  • “Golden rule = modify literal meaning to avoid absurdity.”
  • “Mischief rule = identify problem Parliament intended to fix.”
  • “Purposive approach = interpret according to legislative aim.”
  • “Ejusdem generis = general words follow specific class.”
  • “Expressio unius = mention of one excludes others.”
  • “Noscitur a sociis = meaning from surrounding words.”
  • “Intrinsic aids = titles, preamble, notes, schedules.”
  • “Extrinsic aids = dictionaries, Hansard, earlier Acts.”
  • Cases for interpretation (AS Level permissible):
    • Cheeseman — literal rule
    • Adler v George — golden rule
    • Smith v Hughes — mischief rule
    • Pepper v Hart — purposive rule

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Law Free Material

4. Judicial Precedent

  • “Judicial precedent = decisions used as future legal authority.”
  • “Ratio decidendi = binding reason for decision.”
  • “Obiter dicta = persuasive comments.”
  • “Binding precedent = must be followed.”
  • “Persuasive precedent = may influence.”
  • “Court hierarchy ensures lower courts follow higher courts.”
  • “Practice Statement = allows departure from earlier decisions.”
  • “CA exceptions allow departure in limited circumstances.”
  • “Distinguishing = avoiding precedent by factual differences.”
  • “Reversing = higher court overturns lower court decision.”
  • “Overruling = higher court replaces legal rule of earlier case.”

5. Civil Courts & Procedure

  • “Small claims track = simple, low-value disputes.”
  • “Fast track = moderate complexity trials.”
  • “Multi-track = complex, high-value disputes.”
  • “County Court handles general civil disputes.”
  • “High Court has specialist divisions.”
  • “Appeals move through set hierarchy.”

6. ADR

  • “Negotiation = direct discussion between parties.”
  • “Mediation = neutral party facilitates agreement.”
  • “Conciliation = mediator takes more active role.”
  • “Arbitration = binding decision by third party.”

7. Criminal Courts & Procedure

  • “Summary offences = tried in Magistrates’ Court.”
  • “Triable either way = can be tried in either court.”
  • “Indictable offences = tried in Crown Court.”
  • “Police bail = release before charge.”
  • “Court bail = release with conditions.”
  • “Bail depends on flight risk, offence seriousness, past conduct.”

8. Police Powers

  • “Stop and search requires reasonable suspicion.”
  • “Arrest requires necessity.”
  • “Detention generally limited to 24 hours.”
  • “Right to legal advice available.”
  • “Samples regulated under PACE Codes.”
  • “Exclusion of evidence ensures fairness.”

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Law Free Material

A Definitions For Criminal Law (Paper 2)*

1. Actus Reus

  • “Actus reus = conduct element of crime.”
  • “Omission liability requires duty to act.”
  • “Factual causation uses but-for test.”
  • “Legal causation requires no break in chain.”
  • “Intervening acts must be unforeseeable.”
  • “Victim’s reaction must be reasonably foreseeable.”
  • “Third-party acts must be natural and foreseeable.”
  • “Thin skull rule applies.”

Case anchors (AS-Level permitted):

  • White — factual cause
  • Pagett — third-party act
  • Roberts — victim escape
  • Blaue — thin skull

2. Mens Rea

  • “Mens rea = mental element of crime.”
  • “Direct intent = aim or purpose.”
  • “Oblique intent = virtual certainty.”
  • “Subjective recklessness = foresight of risk.”
  • “Modern recklessness requires awareness of risk.”

Case anchors:

  • Mohan — direct intent
  • Woollin — oblique intent
  • Cunningham — subjective recklessness
  • R v G — updated recklessness

3. Theft (Theft Act 1968, ss1–7)

  • “Theft = dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with intent to permanently deprive.”
  • “Appropriation = assumption of rights of owner.”
  • “Property includes real, personal, money, intangible rights.”
  • “Belonging to another includes possession, control, proprietary interest.”
  • “Dishonesty tested by objective standards.”
  • “Intent to permanently deprive includes treating property as one’s own.”

Case anchors:

  • Morris — appropriation
  • Hinks — gifts can be appropriation
  • Oxford v Moss — information not property
  • Turner — property belonging to another
  • Lloyd — borrowing may not be ITPD

4. Robbery

  • “Robbery = theft + force or threat of force immediately before/at theft.”
  • “Force must modify victim’s movement.”
  • “Force can be minimal or indirect.”

Case anchors:

  • Dawson & James — minimal force
  • Clouden — force on property

5. Burglary

  • “Burglary (s9(1)(a)) = entry + trespass + intent to steal/GBH/damage.”
  • “Burglary (s9(1)(b)) = entry + trespass + actual theft/GBH.”
  • “Entry must be effective.”
  • “Trespass occurs without permission.”

Case anchors:

  • Brown — effective entry
  • Ryan — partial entry
  • Collins — trespass

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Law Free Material

6. Blackmail

  • “Blackmail = unwarranted demand with menaces with intention to gain or cause loss.”
  • “Demand is unwarranted unless reasonable.”
  • “Menaces = serious threats.”

7. Criminal Damage (CDA 1971)

  • “Criminal damage = destroying/damaging property intentionally or recklessly.”
  • “Damage includes temporary impairment.”
  • “Lawful excuse exists where D believes consent exists.”

Case anchors:

  • Hardman — temporary impairment
  • Jaggard v Dickinson — lawful excuse through belief

8. Fraud (Fraud Act 2006)

  • “False representation = untrue/misleading statement.”
  • “Failure to disclose = legal duty breached.”
  • “Abuse of position = dishonest misuse of role.”
  • “Obtaining services dishonestly = receiving services without payment.”

A Techniques To Maximise AO1 Marks*

  • Use definitions before any analysis.
  • Keep every definition legally pure.
  • Never write case facts — only ratios.
  • Always use statute sections in property offences.
  • Use one case per rule only when helpful.
  • Avoid mixing AO1 with long explanations.
  • Structure answers with clear AO1 → AO2 flow.

A Definition Formula*

Term → Meaning → Authority

Examples:

  • “Oblique intent = virtual certainty (Woollin).”
  • “Appropriation = assumption of rights (s3).”
  • “Literal rule = ordinary meaning.”
  • “Causation = but-for (White).”

All < 12 words.

AO1 Excellence Checklist

  • Short
  • Sharp
  • Legally precise
  • Statutory where required
  • Cases used correctly
  • No unnecessary detail
  • Fits scenario immediately
  • Memorised cleanly
  • Always written first in answers
Hunain Zia

Hunain Zia has previously achieved considerable success in the high-school educational stream, gaining a massive 154 Total A Grades and 7 Major Distinctions, a process in which he broke/ set 11 different world records, including the most A grades ever achieved, most subjects ever appeared in, most distinctions, gaining distinctions across two separate boards (Pearson Edexcel and CAIE) within the same year/ ever, and even 19 hours of constant examination. All records stand intact today. Hunain pursued his Honors Accounting Degree from the prestigious Bentley University, and then completed an LLB (in Honors) from University of London. Currently, he manages multiple social and commercial projects, has founded digital streams and works tirelessly in the education sector.

Educate A Change focuses on truly bringing change in the educational sector worldwide. All our courses are designed to ensure success, and provide complete preparation without requiring any other external material. Therefore, it takes away the expense of academies, books, past paper compilations and other miscellaneous items. Instead, by just the courses we offer, the student can prepare fully for the best grades in their CAIEs, Edexcel and other high-school exams. The earnings from our course-sales are invested in social projects and growing the free educational activities of Educate A Change.