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The SQE1 syllabus, mapped

All 14 functioning legal knowledge subjects across the two SQE1 papers (FLK1 and FLK2), what each covers and the topics tested. Tap any subject to practise it.

FLK1 — seven subjects

Business Law and Practice

Forms of business, corporate governance, partnership, finance, insolvency and taxation rules tested in FLK1.

Alteration of Articles—Bona Fide TestArbitration stay of proceedingsArticles alteration and pre-emption rightsArticles alteration—bona fide testAuditor removal and written resolutionsBoard decision-making proceduresBoard meetings and quorumBoard Meetings and Quorum

Dispute Resolution

CPR procedure, ADR routes, costs, evidence and enforcement that account for the largest single share of FLK1.

Adjournment and Procedural DiscretionADR and Costs SanctionsAmendment of Statements of CaseArbitration – challenging an award (Arbitration Act 1996, s.69)Arbitration – s.67 Arbitration Act 1996 – loss of right to object under s.73Arbitration / Stay of ProceedingsArbitration / staysArbitration agreements and stays

Contract

Offer, acceptance, consideration, terms, misrepresentation, frustration and remedies — the classical contract syllabus.

Anticipatory breach and frustrationAnticipatory breach and repudiationAnticipatory Breach and RepudiationAnticipatory breach of contractAnticipatory Breach of ContractAuction sales with reserveBattle of the formsBreach of Condition; Termination Rights

Tort

Duty, breach, causation, defences, occupiers' liability, product liability, nuisance and vicarious liability.

Assault and intentional tortsChild defendants – standard of careClinical negligence causationConsumer Protection Act 1987 – product liability – development risks defence – s 4(1)(e)Contributory negligenceContributory negligence apportionmentContributory negligence; apportionmentDefamation

Legal System of England and Wales

Sources of law, court hierarchy, statutory interpretation and the role of the judiciary.

Appeal from magistrates' courtAppeals from County CourtAppeals from magistrates' courtAppeals from magistrates' courtsBad character evidence - gatewaysBad Character Evidence (Criminal)Bail Act 1976 - presumption and exceptionsBinding precedent and court hierarchy

Constitutional and Administrative Law

Sovereignty of Parliament, separation of powers, judicial review grounds, retained EU law, HRA 1998 mechanics.

Brexit — Withdrawal Agreement rightsBrexit / EU Settlement Scheme / Retained EU LawBrexit / Retained EU LawConstitutional and Administrative Law – Collateral Challenge; Natural Justice; Judicial Review; Human Rights Act 1998Constitutional and Administrative Law – HRA 1998, definition of primary and subordinate legislation, judicial review of delegated legislationConstitutional and Administrative Law – Human Rights Act 1998, Parliamentary Sovereignty, Declarations of Incompatibility, Ouster ClausesConstitutional and Administrative Law – Judicial Review of Subordinate Legislation; Ultra Vires; Proportionality; Human Rights Act 1998Constitutional and Administrative Law – Judicial Review: Procedural Impropriety / Natural Justice in Planning Context

Legal Services

SRA regulatory framework, money laundering compliance, financial services and the funding of legal services.

Admission of solicitors; fitness and proprietyAgency and Professional ConductAlternative Business Structures & ABS LicensingAML Client VerificationAML customer due diligenceAnti-Money Laundering — Internal Reporting Obligations (FLK1)Anti-Money Laundering — Regulated Sector Reporting Obligations (FLK1)Anti-money laundering — tipping-off offence and authorised disclosures (POCA 2002)

FLK2 — seven subjects

Property Practice

Freehold and leasehold conveyancing workflow, security, planning, environmental issues and SDLT.

Administration: Sale of PropertyBusiness tenancy contracting outConflict of interest; confidentialityConflicts / Acting for Lender and BuyerConflicts of interest; mortgage conditionsContract — risk and insuranceCovenant against assignment—reasonablenessDeath of party to land contract

Wills and Administration of Estates

Validity, revocation, intestacy rules, grants of representation, IHT and estate administration.

Solicitors Accounts

Client money handling, double-entry bookkeeping, breaches of the SRA Accounts Rules and reporting duties.

Breach remediation and reportingClassification of client moneyClient account – purpose and return of fundsClient account – uncleared fundsClient account / Office moneyClient account / office money classificationClient account accessibilityClient account breaches and remediation

Land Law

Estates and interests, registered and unregistered title, co-ownership, easements, mortgages and adverse possession.

Co-ownership / SeveranceCo-ownership: joint tenancy vs tenancy in commonEasements – validity / parkingEasements – validity requirementsEasements — characteristics and creation (Land Law, FLK2)Easements / registered landLand Law – Express grant of easements; certainty of subject-matter; Land Registration Act 2002 s 27 and Sch 2; HM Land Registry requisition practiceLand Law – Land Charges / First Registration (LRA 2002; LRR 2003, r.35; LCA 1972)

Trusts

Three certainties, formalities, beneficial interests, trustees' duties, breach of trust and remedies.

Criminal Law

Actus reus, mens rea, homicide, offences against the person, sexual offences, theft and fraud, defences.

Accessorial liability / joint enterpriseAssault: apprehension of violenceBlackmail / s.21 Theft Act 1968Burglary / property offencesConsent and battery in medical lawConsent and lawful sport defenceCriminal Law – Non-fatal offences against the person (FLK2)Criminal Law – Non-fatal offences against the person: assault and battery

Criminal Practice

PACE 1984, advice at the police station, magistrates and Crown Court procedure, sentencing and appeals.

Admissibility of Confessions / PACEAdverse inference / defendant silenceAllocation / Mode of TrialAllocation and sendingAllocation/Mode of TrialAppeals from magistratesAppeals from magistrates' courtBad Character / CJA 2003 Gateways
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