SQE1 Criminal Liability: The Complete Revision Guide
Criminal Liability covers the elements of the core offences — against the person, property offences, fraud and criminal damage — together with the general defences and inchoate offences. It is about applying actus reus and mens rea to a factual scenario.
How Criminal Liability is examined in SQE1
Questions describe an incident and ask which offence is made out, what the required mens rea is, whether causation is established, or whether a defence applies. The s.18/s.20 distinction and homicide are staples.
The 8 Criminal Liability subtopics
Every area of the Criminal Liability syllabus, each with its own in-depth guide:
How to revise Criminal Liability
- Be precise on mens rea — the s.18 vs s.20 GBH distinction turns on intent.
- Know the elements of the Theft Act and Fraud Act offences.
- Learn the general defences and how intoxication interacts with them.
Criminal Liability SQE1 FAQ
Is Criminal Liability on SQE1?
Yes. Criminal Liability is one of the 13 subjects assessed in SQE1, examined in FLK2 through single best answer multiple choice questions.
How is Criminal Liability examined in SQE1?
Questions describe an incident and ask which offence is made out, what the required mens rea is, whether causation is established, or whether a defence applies. The s.18/s.20 distinction and homicide are staples.
How should I revise Criminal Liability for SQE1?
Work through each subtopic, understand how it is tested, and practise exam-style questions under time. The LearnSQE course covers every Criminal Liability subtopic with a video lesson, notes, practice and a topic mock.
Learn Criminal Liability properly
Video lessons, practice and a topic mock for every subtopic — in the LearnSQE course.