GDL Study Guides

The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is an intensive programme designed to provide non-law graduates with a solid foundation in legal principles, preparing you for further legal training or a career in law. Given the breadth and depth of legal topics covered in the GDL, our effective study guides are invaluable tools to help you master the topics. Our guides are tailored to present complex legal concepts in an accessible and structured manner, helping you navigate the rigorous demands of the course. Below is a detailed introduction to the core subjects typically covered by our GDL study guides and how these resources can support your academic success.

Company Law
Company Law is a key area of study in the GDL, focusing on the legal framework governing the formation, management, and regulation of companies. Our GDL study guide on Company Law covers essential topics such as the incorporation process, corporate governance, directors' duties, and the rights of shareholders. The study guide also explores the legal implications of corporate insolvency and the procedures involved in winding up a company. It provides practical examples and case law that illustrate how company law principles are applied in real-world business scenarios, helping you understand the responsibilities and liabilities of companies and their management.

Contract Law
Contract Law is a fundamental subject in the GDL, dealing with the creation and enforcement of agreements between parties. Our study guide for Contract Law delves into the key elements required for a valid contract, such as offer, acceptance, consideration, and the intention to create legal relations. The study guide also addresses issues such as misrepresentation, breach of contract, and the remedies available to parties when contracts are not honoured. It provides a clear and concise explanation of contract principles, supported by illustrative case studies that help you apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

Criminal Law
Criminal Law is a crucial area of study in the GDL, focusing on the rules and principles that govern criminal behaviour and the legal consequences that follow. Our GDL study guide on Criminal Law covers the basic concepts of criminal liability, including actus reus (the physical act of the crime) and mens rea (the mental intent to commit the crime). The study guide explores specific offences such as murder, theft, and assault, as well as defences like insanity and self-defence. It also provides insights into the criminal justice process, from investigation and arrest to trial and sentencing, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of how criminal law operates in practice.

English Legal System
The English Legal System is the foundation of legal study in the GDL, providing the framework within which all other areas of law operate. Our study guide for this subject covers the structure of the courts, the role of judges, the development of common law, and the principles of statutory interpretation. The study guide also explains the sources of law, including legislation, case law, and European Union law. It is essential for gaining a solid understanding of how the legal system functions, the hierarchy of courts, and the procedural rules that govern the administration of justice.

Equity and Trusts
Equity and Trusts is a complex area of law that addresses fairness and justice in the application of legal rules. Our GDL study guide on Equity and Trusts covers the creation and administration of trusts, the fiduciary duties of trustees, and the equitable remedies available in cases of breach of trust. The study guide explores how equitable principles are applied in various contexts, such as property, family, and commercial law. It also provides detailed explanations and practical examples to help you grasp the nuanced concepts of equity and the role of trusts in managing and protecting assets.

EU Law
EU Law remains an important area of study in the GDL, despite the UK's departure from the European Union. Our GDL study guide on EU Law covers the institutional structure of the EU, the sources of EU law, and the principles governing the relationship between EU law and the domestic laws of member states. The study guide explores key areas such as the free movement of goods, services, and people, competition law, and the enforcement of EU rights in national courts. It is particularly useful for understanding the ongoing influence of EU law on UK legislation and legal practice, as well as the broader implications of EU law in an international context.

Land Law
Land Law, or Property Law, is a vital subject in the GDL that deals with the ownership and use of land and property. Our study guide for Land Law covers the different types of property rights, including freehold and leasehold estates, as well as the rules governing the creation and transfer of these rights. The study guide explores key concepts such as easements, covenants, and mortgages, and address the legal implications of adverse possession. It provides clear explanations and practical examples to help students navigate the complexities of property law, making them essential for understanding how land rights are established and enforced.

Public Law
Public Law is concerned with the relationship between individuals and the state, including constitutional and administrative law. Our GDL study guide on Public Law covers the principles that govern the organisation and powers of government institutions, the protection of fundamental rights, and the mechanisms for holding public bodies accountable. The study guide also explores the concept of judicial review, which allows courts to assess the legality of government actions. It help you understand the legal framework that underpins the functioning of the state and the protection of individual rights, providing you with a solid foundation for further study in constitutional and administrative law.

Tort Law
Tort Law deals with civil wrongs that cause harm or loss to individuals, for which the law provides a remedy. Our GDL study guide on Tort Law covers the key principles of liability in tort cases, including negligence, nuisance, defamation, and trespass. The study guide explains how damages are assessed and awarded, and provide detailed analysis of landmark cases that have shaped the development of tort law. It is essential for understanding how the law protects individuals from harm and how legal claims are pursued and defended in civil courts.

Our GDL study guides are indispensable resources for students undertaking the Graduate Diploma in Law. They provide structured, comprehensive, and accessible content across a wide range of legal subjects, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their exams and future legal careers. With our study guides, you focus on core areas such as Company Law, Contract Law, Criminal Law, the English Legal System, Equity and Trusts, EU Law, Land Law, Public Law, and Tort Law, offering you the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the GDL and beyond. Whether you are transitioning to a career in law or seeking to enhance your legal knowledge, our study guides will help you navigate the complexities of legal study with confidence.
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  • Criminal Practice

    Diagrams and Charts

    Our carefully designed diagrams and charts will guide you through complex legal issues.

  • Criminal Law

    Clear and Succinct Definitions

    Key concepts are concisely defined to help you understand legal topics quickly.

  • Property Law

    Statutory Provisions

    Statutory provisions are provided side by side with legal concepts to help you swiftly locate the relevant legislation.

  • Public Law

    Case Summaries

    We have summarised important cases for you so that you don't need to read long and boring cases.

  • Evidence

    Rules and Exceptions

    Rules and exceptions are clearly listed so that you know when a rule applies and when it doesn't.

  • Company Law

    Terminology

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  • Case Law

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  • Law Exam Guide

    Law Essay Guide

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  • Law Exam Guide

    Problem Question Guide

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  • Conflict of Laws

    Structured Explanations

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  • Legal System and Method

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  • Jurisprudence and Legal Theory

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