Criminal law — AS & A Level Law (9084) questions by topic
Theft, criminal damage, robbery and fraud scenarios test statutory application in this topic, drawn from 43 real questions across 2023 to 2025 papers, worth between 25 and 30 marks.
Describe questions require named statutory sections stated precisely, while evaluate and to what extent on the longer essays reward engaging with sentencing aims such as deterrence against named criteria rather than general commentary. Because the strongest responses here work methodically through a scenario section by section, drafting one and getting it marked immediately shows whether each offence, such as s1(2) or s8(1) Theft Act 1968, has been correctly matched to the facts given.
What examiners look for
- A recurring criticism is applying sections such as s1(2) and s2(b) without evidence in the scenario to support the required element, for example endangerment of life.
- Strong responses work methodically through the scenario, referencing the correct statutory sections such as s1(2) and s1(3) Criminal Damage Act 1971 and identifying every available offence in turn.
- Strong answers on sentencing use relevant and detailed factual information across all three assessment criteria, considering the seriousness of the offence, the complexity for juries and the role of Sentencing Council guidelines.
- Strong responses cite supporting case law precisely, such as R v Hale, R v Lockley or R v Robinson, alongside the statutory section, to reach a reasoned conclusion on liability.
May–June 2025, Paper 21
Arthur is part of a criminal gang who plans to steal valuable machinery from a large container next to a factory. The container does not have wheels and has been used for five…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2025, Paper 22
Gerald notices that a car has been parked on the street outside his house for a month. He sees that the keys are in the ignition, so, thinking it has been abandoned, he tries the…
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the mens rea of the offence of handling stolen goods. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the mens rea of the offence of blackmail. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2025, Paper 23
Arthur is part of a criminal gang who plans to steal valuable machinery from a large container next to a factory. The container does not have wheels and has been used for five…
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe indirect/oblique intention in mens rea. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the mens rea of the offence of making off without payment. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 21
Amanda goes for a walk in a forest owned by Bob. Bob has planted most of the trees, but there are also some wild apple trees full of fruit. Amanda sees the apples, goes home and…
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe two elements of s10(1) Theft Act 1968.
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the offence of obtaining services dishonestly.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 22
Anthony is a leading member of a gang. The gang plan to burgle Peter's home at night because they believe he keeps a lot of money in a safe. Anthony takes an iron bar with him and…
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the actus reus of the offence of making off without payment.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 23
Simon has a van which he uses to steal a large amount of cheese. He drives the van to the house of his brother, Ben. He tells Ben the cheese is stolen and asks him to hide it. Ben…
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the law on an intention to permanently deprive in theft.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 41
The distinction between assault and battery no longer serves any practical purpose. Assess the validity of this statement.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 21
Answer Question 1(a), (b) and (c) using only the source material provided. Gemma and Hannah live in houses next to each other. Hannah holds noisy parties which keep Gemma awake at…
Answer this question and get it marked →Answer one question from Section B not using the source material. EITHER Question 2 OR Question 3. Describe the offence of fraud by abuse of position. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →Answer one question from Section B not using the source material. EITHER Question 2 OR Question 3. Describe the law on recklessness in criminal law. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 22
Answer Question 1(a), (b) and (c) using only the source material provided. Colin lives in a caravan on a permanent site. His caravan is connected to the water and electricity…
Answer this question and get it marked →Answer one question from Section B not using the source material. EITHER Question 2 OR Question 3. Describe the offence of fraud by false representation. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →Answer one question from Section B not using the source material. EITHER Question 2 OR Question 3. Describe the actus reus of the offence of handling stolen goods. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 23
Answer Question 1(a), (b) and (c) using only the source material provided. Gemma and Hannah live in houses next to each other. Hannah holds noisy parties which keep Gemma awake at…
Answer this question and get it marked →Answer one question from Section B not using the source material. EITHER Question 2 OR Question 3. Describe the offence of fraud by abuse of position. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →Answer one question from Section B not using the source material. EITHER Question 2 OR Question 3. Describe the law on recklessness in criminal law. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 21
Andrew owns a factory, and he employs a security guard to protect the building at night. Andrew owes a lot of money to his bank. He decides to set fire to part of his factory and…
Answer this question and get it marked →(a) Describe dishonesty in the mens rea of theft. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →(a) Describe discharges as a type of sentence for an adult offender. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 22
Mikhail and Yuri believe that Freda hides money in a box in her kitchen. The two of them break into Freda's house when they think she is out. Mikhail goes into the kitchen and…
Answer this question and get it marked →(a) Describe the chain of causation as an element of actus reus. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →(a) Describe the factors to be considered when sentencing a young offender. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 23
Jonathan advertises a horse for sale for £10000. The advertisement says that Bob, a horse specialist, has certified the horse to be in excellent health. In fact, Bob has told…
Answer this question and get it marked →(a) Describe omissions in actus reus. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →(a) Describe the mitigating and aggravating factors to be considered when sentencing an adult offender. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 21
Haroon takes his mother, Connie, to a restaurant for lunch. The hot food they order is of bad quality and cold when it arrives at the table. Haroon asks the waiter for the bill.…
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the offence of handling stolen goods. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the custodial sentences available for a young offender. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 22
Mary is dismissed from her job in England because her employer, Brendan, says she stole money from the business. Brendan will not pay Mary the £1500 she is owed in wages because…
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the offence of aggravated burglary. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the community sentences available for an adult offender. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 23
Haroon takes his mother, Connie, to a restaurant for lunch. The hot food they order is of bad quality and cold when it arrives at the table. Haroon asks the waiter for the bill.…
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the offence of handling stolen goods. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the custodial sentences available for a young offender. [5]
Answer this question and get it marked →