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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 resolutionsBankruptcy estate — excluded property — Insolvency Act 1986 ss.283, 335A; Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 s.11; Insolvency Proceedings (Monetary Limits) Order 1986Board decision-making proceduresBoard 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 pleadings; track allocationAmendment 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 / 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.

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 LawCivil Service accountability and unlawful instructionsConstitutional 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 – Human Rights Act 1998; Official Secrets Act 1989; whistleblowing; Article 10 ECHR

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.

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.

Land Law

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

Adverse possession—unregistered landBeneficial interests in co-owned landBeneficial interests in joint propertyBeneficial interests in land; resulting and constructive trustsBeneficial interests in land: constructive and resulting trustsCo-ownership — severance of equitable joint tenancy; legal estate by survivorship; LPA 1925 ss.1(6) and 196(4); TLATA 1996Co-ownership — severance of joint tenancy; intestacyCo-ownership / Severance

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 enterpriseAccessorial liability and mens reaAssault occasioning actual bodily harmAssault: apprehension of violenceBlackmail / s.21 Theft Act 1968Burglary / property offencesBurglary / TrespassBurglary under Theft Act 1968

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 TrialAppeal against sentenceAppeals from magistratesAppeals from magistrates' court
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