The Bar Course centralised examinations cover two core subjects:
- Civil Litigation and Evidence
- Criminal Litigation, Evidence and Sentencing
Although there are two subjects, the assessments are divided into three examination papers.
| Examination | Questions | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Litigation | 75 | 3 hours | Closed book |
| Civil Litigation Paper 1 | 50 | 2 hours | Closed book |
| Civil Litigation Paper 2 | 40 | 2 hours 30 minutes | Open book |
The examinations test not only your knowledge of the law but also your ability to apply legal principles and procedural rules to practical situations. Understanding the format of each paper is an important part of effective exam preparation.
Criminal Litigation Examination
The Criminal Litigation examination assesses your knowledge of criminal litigation, evidence and sentencing.
Exam format:
- 75 multiple-choice questions.
- 3 hours to complete the examination.
- Closed book: reference materials are not permitted.
The examination requires a strong understanding of criminal law procedure, evidential rules, sentencing principles and the practical decisions that arise during criminal proceedings. Since this is a closed-book examination, you will need to recall relevant rules, legal tests and procedural requirements without referring to textbooks.
Revision tip: Focus on understanding how legal rules operate in practice. Questions may require you to identify the correct procedural step or determine how a court is likely to approach a particular issue.
Civil Litigation Paper 1
Civil Litigation Paper 1 assesses your understanding of civil procedure and evidence.
Exam format:
- 50 multiple-choice questions.
- 2 hours to complete the examination.
- Closed book: reference materials are not permitted.
The examination tests your ability to understand and apply the Civil Procedure Rules, relevant legal principles and procedural requirements. Because you cannot consult reference materials during the examination, it is particularly important to memorise key time limits, procedural steps and legal tests.
Revision tip: Prioritise the rules and deadlines that you are expected to apply without reference materials. Practise answering questions under timed conditions to improve both accuracy and speed.
Civil Litigation Paper 2
Civil Litigation Paper 2 is an open-book examination that places greater emphasis on applying procedural knowledge to realistic legal scenarios.
Exam format:
- 40 multiple-choice questions.
- 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the examination.
- Open book, with permitted access to the White Book.
- Includes rolling case scenarios.
Unlike Paper 1, this examination allows you to consult the White Book. However, you should not assume that having access to reference materials makes the examination easier. Questions may require detailed knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules and their application to particular circumstances. You will need to combine your existing knowledge with the ability to locate relevant information efficiently.
Revision tip: Familiarise yourself with the structure of the White Book well before the examination. Knowing where to find information can save valuable time.
Understanding Rolling Case Scenarios
One of the distinctive features of Civil Litigation Paper 2 is the use of rolling case scenarios, sometimes referred to as rolling questions. Rather than presenting every question as a separate legal problem, rolling scenarios develop a case over a series of related questions.
How do rolling questions work?
A rolling scenario will typically begin with a longer question setting out the background to a case. You may be given information about the parties, the nature of the dispute, procedural developments and the legal issues involved. Subsequent questions introduce additional information or developments in the case. Each question may build on the facts provided earlier in the scenario.
This approach tests your ability to:
- Identify the relevant legal issues.
- Apply procedural rules to changing circumstances.
- Recognise the significance of new information.
- Refer back to facts provided in previous questions.
- Understand how legal proceedings develop over time.
How to approach rolling questions
Read the initial scenario carefully.
The opening question establishes the factual background. Important details may remain relevant throughout the series.
Keep track of key facts.
Pay particular attention to dates, procedural steps, court orders and the roles of the parties.
Consider what has changed.
Each new question may introduce a development that changes the legal position or the appropriate next step.
Do not consider each question in isolation.
You may need to refer back to information provided earlier in the scenario to identify the correct answer.
Manage your time.
Rolling questions can require more reading and analysis than standalone questions. Practising these scenarios under timed conditions will help you become more efficient.