CAPE Law Unit 1 study plan
CAPE Law Unit 1 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Module 1
Map the Module 1 syllabus into a one-page outline that lists each sub-topic and the case or statute attached to it
Define the core concepts of the Caribbean legal system (common law, equity, statute, prerogative) in your own words without notes
Trace how the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council and the Caribbean Court of Justice fit into the appellate hierarchy of at least two Caribbean jurisdictions
Distinguish source of law from doctrine of precedent and give one Caribbean example of each
Your checkpoint
A one-page Module 1 concept map plus a 300-word written summary of the court hierarchy in two named Caribbean states
Module 1
Explain the doctrine of stare decisis, ratio decidendi and obiter dicta using three cases you have read in full
Apply the rules of statutory interpretation (literal, golden, mischief, purposive) to two short Caribbean statutes
Outline the structure of the courts in a named Caribbean jurisdiction from petty sessions to the final appellate court
Draft 10 short-answer questions on Module 1 and answer them closed-book
Your checkpoint
A 500-word case-brief set on three precedent cases plus a marked self-test of 10 questions scoring at least 7/10
Module 1 & Module 2
Consolidate Module 1 by writing a timed 25-minute essay on the sources of Caribbean law
Define the elements of a valid contract (offer, acceptance, consideration, intention, capacity) with one authority per element
Distinguish an offer from an invitation to treat using at least two decided cases
Explain the postal rule and its limits in your own words
Your checkpoint
One timed Module 1 essay (handwritten, 25 minutes) plus a contract-elements table with authorities
Module 2
Analyse consideration and promissory estoppel, stating the rule and its exceptions with case authority
Explain the doctrine of privity and the statutory or equitable routes around it
Identify vitiating factors (misrepresentation, mistake, duress, undue influence, illegality) and match each to a remedy
Apply the IRAC structure to two problem scenarios on formation and enforceability
Your checkpoint
Two full IRAC answers (600 words each) on contract formation and vitiating factors, self-marked against a checklist
Module 2
Explain discharge of contract by performance, agreement, breach and frustration, with one case each
Distinguish the available remedies (damages, specific performance, injunction, rescission) and when each is granted
Apply the rules on remoteness and measure of damages to a fact pattern
Write a 20-item glossary of Module 2 terms with a one-line definition each
Your checkpoint
A 20-term glossary plus one 30-minute timed problem answer on breach and remedies
Module 3
Map the Module 3 syllabus into a one-page outline linking each tort or liability topic to its elements and defences
Define negligence, duty of care, breach, causation and remoteness with authority for each
Explain occupiers' liability and vicarious liability in your own words
Compare strict liability and fault-based liability with one example of each
Your checkpoint
A one-page Module 3 concept map plus a 400-word explanation of the negligence elements with authorities
Module 3
Analyse defences to tortious liability (contributory negligence, volenti, illegality) and their effect on damages
Apply the negligence calculus to two Caribbean fact patterns and reach a reasoned conclusion
Explain the remedies available in tort and how damages are assessed
Draft and answer 10 short-answer questions on Module 3 closed-book
Your checkpoint
Two full IRAC answers on negligence and defences plus a self-test of 10 questions scoring at least 7/10
Module 1 & Module 2 & Module 3
Sit one full mock paper under timed conditions covering all three modules
Mark the mock against the mark scheme and list your five weakest sub-topics
Re-teach each weak sub-topic in a five-minute spoken explanation recorded or written out
Build a one-page final revision sheet of key authorities per module
Your checkpoint
A completed timed mock paper with a self-marked score, a list of five weak areas, and a one-page authorities sheet
Milestones
Week 2: You can explain precedent and statutory interpretation without notes and score at least 7/10 on the Module 1 self-test
Week 4: You have written two full IRAC answers on contract formation and can state every element of a valid contract with authority
Week 6: You have completed the Module 1 timed essay and mapped Module 3, and your glossary covers at least 20 Module 2 terms
Week 8: You have sat a full timed mock across all three modules, self-marked it, and identified five specific weak sub-topics to revisit