SQE Study

Young Central

Preparing for the 2026 Solicitors Qualifying Examination? This is your official test review podcast for the SQE brought to you by Young Central. Thirteen subject matters are broken down to ensure you can tackle every topic.

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54 episodes
Updated Dec 2, 2025

Episodes54

Newest first

Oct 15, 2025 · 27 min
Contract Law VII: Equitable Remedies
An SQE overview of equitable remedies in law, which contrast with traditional legal remedies like monetary damages, focusing instead on actions to correct a wrong or prevent future harm. It explains that equitable remedies, such as injunctions and specific performance, are granted at the court’s discretion only when financial compensation is inadequate, and are subject to specific principles like the "Clean Hands" Doctrine and Laches. The text details specific performance as an order to fulfil a contractual obligation, often used for unique items like real estate, and discusses the use of injunctions (both prohibitory and mandatory) to prevent or compel certain actions, citing case law concerning employment contracts. Finally, the source differentiates these remedies from indemnities and guarantees, explaining that an indemnity creates a primary obligation for compensation, whereas a guarantee establishes a secondary obligation contingent upon a debtor's default.
Oct 14, 2025 · 40 min
Contract Law VI: Remedies
A comprehensive overview of the principles governing remedies for a breach of contract, primarily focusing on the calculation and limitations of damages. They explain causation in contract law, differentiating between factual causation (the "but-for" test) and legal causation (no intervening actions). A significant portion addresses the concept of remoteness of damage, detailing the Hadley v Baxendale rule and its two-limb test, which limits recoverable damages to those reasonably foreseeable at the time of contract formation. Furthermore, the texts discuss the duty to mitigate losses, requiring the non-breaching party to take reasonable steps to minimize damages, and introduce contributory negligence as a partial defense in limited scenarios. Finally, the sources outline various types of damages, including expectation loss (measured by cost of cure or loss of bargain) and reliance loss, while also examining non-pecuniary awards for loss of amenity in cases like Jarvis v Swans Tours and the distinction between enforceable liquidated damages clauses and unenforceable penalty clauses.
Oct 13, 2025 · 36 min
Contract Law V: Termination
A comprehensive SQE overview of the principles and consequences surrounding the termination and discharge of contracts. The first source details various methods of contract ending, including Discharge by Performance, which requires meeting the doctrines of precise and entire performance, and other voluntary or involuntary termination methods like Mutual Agreement or Operation of Law. The second source focuses on Breach of Contract, distinguishing between Actual Breach and Anticipatory Breach, and explains how the classification of a breached term (Condition, Warranty, or Innominate Term) dictates the available remedies. The third source introduces the Doctrine of Frustration, explaining how unforeseen, uncontrollable events can automatically terminate a contract when performance becomes impossible or radically different, and outlines the financial consequences under the Law Reform (Frustrated Contracts) Act 1943. Finally, the fourth source describes the principles of Restitution and Unjust Enrichment, which aim to return parties to their pre-contractual state by preventing one party from unfairly benefiting at the expense of another, particularly when a contract fails or is rescinded.
Oct 12, 2025 · 33 min
Contract Law IV: Vitiating Factors
A comprehensive SQE overview of several legal doctrines that can affect the validity and enforceability of a contract, primarily focusing on circumstances where consent may be compromised or the contract's purpose is unlawful. Misrepresentation is explained as a false statement of fact that induces a contract, categorized as fraudulent, negligent, or innocent, with different remedies available for each. The sources then detail Mistake, where a fundamental error—such as common, cross-purpose, or unilateral—can render an agreement void because there was no genuine meeting of the minds. Furthermore, the texts explore Duress and Undue Influence, describing how coercion through physical, psychological, or economic threats, or the improper leveraging of a position of trust, makes a contract voidable. Finally, Illegality is covered, clarifying that contracts are unenforceable if their formation or purpose violates statutory law or common law principles, such as public policy or committing a crime.
Oct 11, 2025 · 18 min
Contract Law III: Contract Terms
A comprehensive overview of contractual terms, examining their formation, incorporation, interpretation, and modification. The materials explain express terms and the various methods for incorporating them, including signature, notice, and reference to other documents, while also discussing the parol evidence rule and its exceptions. A significant portion details implied terms, differentiating between those implied by common law (like the business efficacy test) and those implied by statute, such as the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The sources further classify terms into conditions, warranties, and innominate terms to determine the appropriate remedy for breach, and explain the treatment of exemption clauses under common law and statutory frameworks like UCTA 1977 and CRA 2015. Finally, the texts cover contractual variation, highlighting the need for fresh consideration for both upward and downward changes, and the role of the equitable doctrine of promissory estoppel in enforcing promises lacking consideration.
Oct 10, 2025 · 30 min
Contract Law II: Parties
The legal concept of privity of contract, which dictates that generally, only the parties who agree to a contract possess the rights and obligations under it. Historically, this rule strictly prevented third parties from enforcing contractual terms, but the text details several significant exceptions that have evolved to address potential injustices, such as the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999, collateral contracts, and trusts. Furthermore, it extensively covers the legal framework of agency, illustrating how an agent can contractually bind a principal with third parties through different forms of authority, specifically actual authority (express or implied) and apparent authority. These exceptions and the principles of agency outline various circumstances where individuals or entities not originally party to an agreement can still acquire rights or be affected by the contract's terms.
Oct 10, 2025 · 54 min
Contract Law I: Formation
A comprehensive SQE overview of the essential elements required to form a binding contract, focusing heavily on offer and acceptance, consideration, intention to create legal relations, certainty, and capacity. The texts explain that a contract requires an agreement (a clear offer and corresponding acceptance), a mutual exchange of value (consideration), and a presumption that the agreement will have legal consequences (intention to create legal relations). Furthermore, the sources detail how offers can be unilateral or bilateral, distinguishing a true offer from an invitation to treat in various contexts like advertisements and auctions, and outlining rules for revocation and rejection. Finally, the materials discuss the critical requirements of clear and complete terms (certainty) and the necessary legal power of the parties to enter agreements, particularly concerning minors and corporations.
Oct 6, 2025 · 30 min
Constitutional Law IV: The place of EU Law in the UK Constitution
An in-depth analysis of the transition of European Union (EU) law within the United Kingdom's legal framework, charting the journey from membership through Brexit. The first source explains the structure of EU law, detailing its foundation in treaties (primary law) and secondary legislation (like regulations and directives), emphasizing the key principles of supremacy and direct effect which compelled member states to prioritize EU law. The second source outlines how the UK initially incorporated EU law via the European Communities Act 1972, and subsequently created retained EU law through the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 post-Brexit, a body of law that lost its supranational status but temporarily maintained supremacy over pre-existing domestic law. Finally, the third source details the final stage of the transition through the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023, which effectively ends the supremacy of EU law, converts remaining retained laws into assimilated law by the end of 2023, and grants ministers extensive powers to amend or revoke this legislation.
Oct 6, 2025 · 54 min
Constitutional Law III: Legitimacy, separation of powers and the rule of law
A comprehensive overview of three core areas of public law: secondary legislation, public order law, and judicial review. The first source explains how secondary legislation is enacted, providing government bodies with the detailed rules necessary to implement broader primary legislation, and outlines the controversial "Henry VIII powers" and the affirmative and negative resolution procedures for its enactment. The second source covers public order law, focusing on the Public Order Act 1986, which regulates public processions and assemblies by requiring notice and granting police powers to impose conditions or prohibitions to prevent serious disorder, all while balancing these measures against human rights like freedom of assembly. Finally, the third source describes judicial review as the mechanism through which courts ensure public bodies act lawfully and within their powers (legality), detailing the three grounds for challenge—illegality, irrationality (Wednesbury unreasonableness), and procedural impropriety—and confirming the evolving power to review even Royal Prerogative powers.
Oct 6, 2025 · 37 min
Constitutional Law II: Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights
An extensive overview of the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA), which incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into UK domestic law, enabling citizens to enforce their rights in UK courts. The documents detail the three categories of rights under the ECHR—absolute, limited, and qualified—and list the specific articles, such as the right to life, prohibition of torture, freedom of expression, and the right to a fair trial. Furthermore, the sources explain the key sections of the HRA, including Section 2 (interpretation of Convention rights), Section 3 (interpreting legislation compatibly with the ECHR), and Section 4 (declaration of incompatibility), clarifying the powers and limitations of UK courts regarding incompatible legislation. Finally, the text explores how specific ECHR Articles have been defined and applied through European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) case law, illustrating the balance between individual rights and legitimate state interests like national security and public order.
Oct 6, 2025 · 46 min
Constitutional Law I: Core Institutions of the State and How They Interrelate
A comprehensive overview of the UK's uncodified constitutional framework, outlining its fundamental principles such as the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the central doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty. They thoroughly examine the structure and functions of the UK Parliament, detailing the roles of the elected House of Commons and the appointed House of Lords, as well as the legislative process a bill must undergo. Furthermore, the documents cover the structure and accountability of the Central Government, led by the Prime Minister and Cabinet, discussing key constitutional conventions like ministerial responsibility and the exercise of Royal Prerogative powers. Finally, the texts discuss the system of devolution in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, explaining the powers of their respective legislatures and the enduring supremacy of the Westminster Parliament, alongside the special protections afforded by Parliamentary Privilege.
Oct 6, 2025 · 47 min
Business Law III: Insolvency
A comprehensive overview of personal and corporate insolvency procedures in the UK, contrasting the unlimited liability of sole traders and partners with the limited liability of company directors and shareholders. The first source focuses on personal insolvency options like Bankruptcy, Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), and debt negotiation, outlining the process, legal effects, and consequences of each. The second source covers corporate insolvency mechanisms, including Administration, Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs), and various forms of Liquidation (Compulsory, Creditors' Voluntary, and Members' Voluntary), detailing the criteria for insolvency and the roles of administrators and liquidators. Finally, the third source explains clawback provisions, which allow insolvency practitioners to challenge pre-insolvency transactions such as Preferences and Transactions at an Undervalue to recover assets for the general body of creditors, alongside the rules for setting aside floating charges and ring-fencing funds for unsecured creditors.
Oct 6, 2025 · 46 min
Business Law II: Finance
A comprehensive overview of corporate finance and security mechanisms, focusing on the distinction between debt and equity finance. The first source details equity finance, including the concepts of share capital, share premium, and the legal implications of various share transactions like allotment, buyback, and transfer, and the necessary statutory regulations and resolutions for each. The second source outlines debt finance and the different types of security lenders use, such as fixed and floating charges, mortgages, and personal guarantees, explaining how they protect creditors in case of default, alongside the registration requirements for such charges. Finally, the third source discusses the distribution of profits through dividends, the capital maintenance rule that restricts dividend payment to realised profits, and the differences between personal and corporate insolvency, highlighting the role of separate legal personality and limited liability.
Oct 6, 2025 · 40 min
Business Law I: Business Mediums
An extensive overview of various business structures, primarily focusing on partnerships and limited companies, contrasting their fundamental legal characteristics. Key distinctions are drawn between sole traders, general partnerships, limited partnerships (LPs), limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and private companies, detailing differences in owner liability (unlimited versus limited), management structures, and formation requirements (such as registration with Companies House). Significant attention is paid to the Partnership Act 1890 and the Companies Act 2006, outlining the statutory duties of partners and directors, including fiduciary duties and requirements for decision-making via resolutions. Furthermore, the texts examine the complex corporate governance requirements for limited entities, emphasizing transparency, statutory filings, and the protection of minority shareholders through mechanisms like the Bushell v Faith clause.