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Ten things you need to know about Article 8

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English legal system and criminal law

EXAMINATION FOCUS

Answering questions on non-fatal offences

Laura Ithier provides guidance on tackling assault, battery and actual and grievous bodily harm questions in exams

Because sections 18 and 20 have essentially the same actus reus, they should be discussed together and differentiated through discussion of the defendant’s mens rea.

In law exams, make sure you read the question carefully: it can tell you a lot. Key phrases can help to take the guesswork out of the scenario, for example ‘minor abrasions’ would point to battery and s.47 actual bodily harm. ‘Cut which caused serious loss of blood’ would point to s.20 wounding and grievous bodily harm, and possible s.18 wounding with intent. ‘An injury which caused permanent scarring or disfigurement’ would point to s.20 GBH and/or s.18 offences depending on the issue of mens rea.

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Ten things you need to know about Article 8

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English legal system and criminal law

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