1. Where do I start?
We would advise that you begin by reviewing the Assessment Specification for SQE1. You need to identify what subject matter can be covered under each substantive topic. For each topic, you should honestly ask yourself whether you would be prepared to answer a MCQ on that topic in SQE1.
We have helped you in this process by providing a Revise SQE Checklist for each subject which you’ll find on the book’s page on this website. This enables you to read the subject matter of each topic and identify where you consider your knowledge to be at any given time. We have also helpfully cross referenced each topic to a chapter and page of our Revise SQE revision guides.
2. Do I need to know legal authorities, such as case law?
In the majority of circumstances, you are not required to know or be able to use legal authorities. This includes statutory provisions, case law, or procedural rules. Of course, you will need to be aware of legal principles deriving from common law and statute.
There may be occasions, however, where the Assessment Specification does identify a legal authority (such as Rylands v Fletcher in Tort Law). In this case, you will be required to know the name of that case, the principles of that case and how to apply that case to the facts of an MCQ. These circumstances are clearly highlighted in the Assessment Specification and you are advised to ensure they engage with those legal authorities in full.
3. Do I need to know the history behind certain law?
Whilst understanding the history and development of a certain area of law is beneficial, there is no requirement for you to know or prepare for any questions relating to the development of the law (e.g. in Criminal Law, candidates will need not be aware of the development from objective to subjective recklessness). SQE1 will be testing your knowledge of the law at the date of the assessment.
4. Do I need to be aware of academic opinion or proposed reforms to the law?
Students preparing for SQE1 do not need to focus on critical evaluation of the law, or proposed reforms to the law.
