BPTC Study Guide 2026

IRAC is a structured analytical method: identify the Issue, state the Rule (law), Apply the rule to the facts, and reach a Conclusion — used widely in opinion writing and legal memos.

A freezing injunction is an interim remedy that prevents the defendant from moving or disposing of assets so that any judgment can be enforced against them.

The general rule under CPR Part 44.2 is that the unsuccessful party will be ordered to pay the costs of the successful party ('costs follow the event'). However, the court has wide discretion and may make a different order depending on the circumstances, including the conduct of the parties.

Under section 3 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1865, if a witness proves hostile (unfavourable and unwilling to tell the truth), the party calling them can apply to the judge for permission to treat the witness as hostile. This allows the advocate to cross-examine their own witness, including using leading questions and putting previous inconsistent statements.

A POCA 2002 confiscation order strips the defendant of their benefit from criminal conduct, making crime financially unprofitable.

In civil proceedings in England and Wales, the standard of proof is the balance of probabilities (more likely than not), which is lower than the criminal standard of beyond reasonable doubt. This is established under the Civil Procedure Rules and longstanding common law principles.