Legal Authorities in SQE1

In the SQE1 assessments, you are occasionally required to demonstrate your understanding of certain legal authorities, such as case names, statutory provisions, or procedural rules, which are widely recognised as key legal principles or important procedural steps. These legal authorities are typically well-established references in legal practice, and solicitors often refer to them as shorthand for particular legal concepts, rules, or steps in litigation.

For example, cases like Rylands v Fletcher are commonly cited in the context of the law of tort, specifically in relation to liability for the escape of dangerous substances. Similarly, CPR Part 36 refers to a key procedural rule under the Civil Procedure Rules, which governs offers to settle disputes and the consequences of refusing such offers. A statutory provision like a Section 25 notice, used in the context of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, is a legal step that may be required in commercial tenancy disputes. These names, rules, and statutory provisions are so integral to legal practice that solicitors need to understand what they represent and how they apply without needing to refer to detailed explanations every time.

In these specific instances, you are expected to recognise and understand such legal authorities, as they are widely used in practice to convey important principles or procedural steps. The ability to correctly apply these authorities is key to demonstrating competence as a solicitor. However, outside of these well-recognised cases and statutory provisions, You are generally not required to recall or cite specific case names or statutory references. The assessment is focused more on your ability to apply legal principles and knowledge practically, rather than memorising detailed case law or legislation.

Therefore, while some case names or statutory references must be known because they have become synonymous with a particular area of law or legal procedure, the SQE1 assessments prioritise the application of legal principles over the rote recall of legal authorities. This ensures that you are equipped with the practical skills needed to address real-world legal problems as newly qualified solicitors, rather than simply focusing on academic legal knowledge.
Back to blog

Where are our students from?

Council of Europe
Crown Prosecution Service
Baker Mckenzie 
Yale University
University of Chicago
Columbia University
New York University
University of Michigan 
INSEAD
University of London
University College London (UCL)
London School of Economics (LSE)
King’s College London (KCL)
Royal Holloway, University of London 
Birkbeck, University of London
SOAS, University of London
University of Manchester
University of Zurich
University of York
Brandeis University
University of Exeter
University of Sheffield
Boston University
University of Washington
University of Leeds
University of Law
University of Kent
University of Hull
Queen’s University Belfast
Toronto Metropolitan University
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
University of Buckingham
ESSEC Business School

Customer Reviews

Based on 1 review
100%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
A
Anonymous
Comprehensive and Easy to Understand

This study guide is comprehensive and presented in clear, easy-to-understand bullet points. It covers everything you need for SQE1 Business Law and Practice at a fraction of the cost you would otherwise pay to major legal education providers. I highly recommend SQE Turbocharge for its exceptional value.