Law A-Level
The Hierarchy of Harm
What The Hierarchy of Harm means in Law A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of The Hierarchy of Harm
The structured escalation of criminal liability based on the severity of the injury caused, ranging from the apprehension of immediate force to 'really serious' physical or psychiatric harm.
Topics that use The Hierarchy of Harm
- Criminal law (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Actus reus
- Appropriation
- Dishonesty
- Justification vs Excuse
- Legal Liberalism and Autonomy
- Legislative Reform
- Mens rea
- Public Policy and Consent
Using The Hierarchy of Harm in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
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