Cambridge International AS & A Level

LAW 9084/31
Paper 3 May/June 2022
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 75

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.

Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2022 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some
Cambridge O Level components.

This document consists of 10 printed pages.

© UCLES 2022 [Turn over

9084/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2022
PUBLISHED

Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:

Marks must be awarded in line with:

 the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
 the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
 the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:

Marks must be awarded positively:

 marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme,
referring to your Team Leader as appropriate
 marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
 marks are not deducted for errors
 marks are not deducted for omissions
 answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:

Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:

Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should
not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in mind.

© UCLES 2022 Page 2 of 10

9084/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2022
PUBLISHED

Social Science-Specific Marking Principles

(for point-based marking)

1 Components using point-based marking:

 Point marking is often used to reward knowledge, understanding and application of skills.
We give credit where the candidate’s answer shows relevant knowledge, understanding
and application of skills in answering the question. We do not give credit where the answer
shows confusion.

From this it follows that we:

a DO credit answers which are worded differently from the mark scheme if they clearly
convey the same meaning (unless the mark scheme requires a specific term)
b DO credit alternative answers/examples which are not written in the mark scheme if they
are correct
c DO credit answers where candidates give more than one correct answer in one
prompt/numbered/scaffolded space where extended writing is required rather than list-type
answers. For example, questions that require n reasons (e.g. State two reasons …).
d DO NOT credit answers simply for using a ‘key term’ unless that is all that is required.
(Check for evidence it is understood and not used wrongly.)
e DO NOT credit answers which are obviously self-contradicting or trying to cover all
possibilities
f DO NOT give further credit for what is effectively repetition of a correct point already
credited unless the language itself is being tested. This applies equally to ‘mirror
statements’ (i.e. polluted/not polluted).
g DO NOT require spellings to be correct, unless this is part of the test. However spellings of
syllabus terms must allow for clear and unambiguous separation from other syllabus terms
with which they may be confused (e.g. Corrasion/Corrosion)

2 Presentation of mark scheme:

 Slashes (/) or the word ‘or’ separate alternative ways of making the same point.
 Semi colons (;) bullet points (•) or figures in brackets (1) separate different points.
 Content in the answer column in brackets is for examiner information/context to clarify the
marking but is not required to earn the mark (except Accounting syllabuses where they
indicate negative numbers).

3 Annotation:
 For point marking, ticks can be used to indicate correct answers and crosses can be used
to indicate wrong answers. There is no direct relationship between ticks and marks. Ticks
have no defined meaning for levels of response marking.
 For levels of response marking, the level awarded should be annotated on the script.
 Other annotations will be used by examiners as agreed during standardisation, and the
meaning will be understood by all examiners who marked that paper.

© UCLES 2022 Page 3 of 10

9084/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2022
PUBLISHED

The mark bands and descriptors applicable to all questions on the paper are as follows.

Band 1 [0 marks]
The answer contains no relevant material.

Band 2 [1–6 marks]

The candidate introduces fragments of information or unexplained examples from which no
coherent explanation or analysis can emerge.
OR
The candidate attempts to introduce an explanation and/or analysis but it is so fundamentally
undermined by error and confusion that it remains substantially incoherent.

Band 3 [7–12 marks]

The candidate begins to indicate some capacity for explanation and analysis by introducing some of
the issues, but explanations are limited and superficial
OR
The candidate adopts an approach in which there is concentration on explanation in terms of facts
presented rather than through the development and explanation of legal principles and rules
OR
The candidate attempts to introduce material across the range of potential content, but it is weak or
confused so that no real explanation or conclusion emerges.

Band 4 [13–19 marks]

Where there is more than one issue, the candidate demonstrates a clear understanding of one of
the main issues of the question, giving explanations and using illustrations so that a full and
detailed picture is presented of this issue
OR
The candidate presents a more limited explanation of all parts of the answer, but there is some lack
of detail or superficiality in respect of either or both so that the answer is not fully rounded.

Band 5 [20–25 marks]

The candidate presents a detailed explanation and discussion of all areas of relevant law and, while
there may be some minor inaccuracies and/or imbalance, a coherent explanation emerges.

© UCLES 2022 Page 4 of 10

9084/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2022
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

1 Explain the limitations on the awarding of damages. 25

Discuss the extent to which these limitations ensure justice for both
parties.

Candidates may show knowledge and understanding by:

 Providing a brief outline of the aims of damages as a remedy.
 Explaining the need for causation (County Ltd v Girozentrale Securities,
Quinn v Burch Brothers (Builders) Ltd).
 Explaining the different approaches used when assessing remoteness of
damage (Hadley v Baxendale, Victoria Laundry v Newman industries,
The Heron II, Balfour Beatty Construction (Scotland) Ltd v Scottish
Power plc, The Achilleas)
 Explaining the claimant’s duty to mitigate their loss (Brace v Calder and
British Westinghouse Electric Co Ltd v Underground Electric Railways Co
of London Ltd).

Candidates should then address the assertion in the question and may
discuss the following:

 Justice dictates that there should be some link between the breach of
contract and any consequential loss and it seems fair that an innocent
party should not benefit from any breach given the compensatory aim of
damages.
 It is not just or practical to make the defendant liable for every
consequential loss emanating from the breach.
 The law tries to strike a balance between compensating the victim for
their loss while at the same time taking care to not be unduly severe on
the wrongdoer. Does mitigation, however, reduce the scope of the
protection given to the innocent party? The duty to mitigate, however, is
not onerous, merely requiring the claimant not to act unreasonably.
 It is fair that the claimant cannot recover for losses that were avoidable.
For example, if they can sell goods in the available market following a
breach.

Credit any other relevant case and any other valid and reasoned argument.

Candidates need to engage with the evaluative aspect of the question to

receive marks in band 4 and above.

© UCLES 2022 Page 5 of 10

9084/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2022
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

2 The decision in Williams v Roffey Brothers & Nicholls (Contractors) Ltd 25

[1990] has redefined consideration in regards to existing duty.

Assess the validity of this statement.

Candidates may show knowledge and understanding by:

 Defining consideration (Currie v Misa, Dunlop v Selfridge)
 Explaining that for the most part, the courts have observed the principle
that promising to do all that was originally contracted for is not sufficient
to form the consideration to vary that agreement (Stilk v Myrick).
 Explaining that doing more than ones existing contractual duty can
provide additional consideration as it is deemed that a new contract has
been negotiated (Hartley v Ponsonby).
 Explaining that a duty under an existing contract may furnish
consideration if it confers an additional ‘practical benefit’ on the other
party, provided duress is not present (Williams v Roffey Brothers).
 Credit reference to other categories; performing an existing public duty
(Collins v Godefroy), and existing contractual duties to a third party (Pao
On v Lau Yiu Long)

In assessing any impact that the decision has had on consideration in regards
to existing duty candidates may consider the following:

 That the principle applies only to goods and services and does not
extend to any ‘practical benefit’ received regarding contractual duties to
pay debt (Re Selectmove)
 That the principle is not without judicial criticism. In South Caribbean
Trading Limited v Trafigura Beehever BV and MWB v Rock Advertising,
judges stressed the need to find a legal benefit to amend any contract.
 Widening the limits is justified in reflecting commercial reality by allowing
a variation of a contract for sound commercial reasons, even if
technically consideration is lacking.
 The controversy is likely to continue given that the scope of the law is still
being defined and the Supreme Court is yet to have its say.

Credit any other relevant case and any other valid and reasoned argument.

Generalised responses, lacking focus on the question or responses limited to

factual recall are to be awarded a maximum mark within mark band 3.

© UCLES 2022 Page 6 of 10

9084/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2022
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

3 Exemption clauses aim to balance freedom of contract with the need to 25

protect the consumer.

Assess the extent to which common and statute law achieve this
balance.

Candidates may show knowledge and understanding by:

 Defining what an exemption clause is.
 Explaining the rules on incorporation in its various forms; by signature
(L’estrange v Graucob), by notice (Olley v Marlborough Court Hotel,
Chapelton v Barry UDC, Parker v South Eastern Railway), previous
course of dealing (Hollier v Rambler Motors Ltd).
 Explaining the contra proferentem rule (Houghton v Trafalgar Insurance).
 Explaining key sections of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. For example
inability to exclude liability for death or personal injury resulting from
negligence (s.65 (1), excluding liability for other loss or damage provided
the clause is fair (s.62 (1), need for transparency (i.e. the use of plain and
intelligible language and legible) s. 68. (Note: UCTA 1977 no longer
applies to consumer contracts but credit any historical reference to it).

In assessing whether the law on exemption clauses achieves the balance

identified in the question candidates may address the following:

 The use of exemption clauses is allowed. Used fairly and with the
consent of both parties they show good ‘contractual planning’ of where
risk should lie. Freedom of contract is therefore respected. The problem
is the opportunity they present for oppression given the unequal
bargaining position of the parties and the increase in standard form
contracts.
 The common law has always been suspicious of contracts with
exemption clauses in them – hence the need to satisfy rules of
incorporation and their strict interpretation of ambiguity.
 Reasoning in particular cases where judges have appeared determined
to favour the weaker party. (Thornton v Shoe Lane Parking).
 The significant intervention of statute law in the last 40 years outlawing
certain terms and subjecting others to a rigorous assessment of fairness.

Credit any other relevant case and any other valid and reasoned argument.

Responses limited to factual recall of the law will not reach band 4.

© UCLES 2022 Page 7 of 10

9084/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2022
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

4 Advise Lucy whether these two agreements with XL and Malcolm can be 25
enforced on the basis of an intention to create legal relations.

Candidates may show knowledge and understanding by:

 Identifying the issues as the intention to create legal relations and placing
the requirement in the context of formation of a valid contract.
 Explaining the presumption as regards social and domestic agreements
(Balfour v Balfour) and the circumstances where this can be rebutted
(Merritt v Merritt).
 Explaining that a contract made in a business context is presumed to be
binding (Edwards v Skyways Ltd) unless rebutted by evidence of a
contrary intention (Jones v Vernon’s Pools, Carlill v Carbolic Smokeball
Company).
 Explaining that legal intent will still be established if free offers are used
to promote a business (Esso Petroleum Co Ltd v Commissioners of
Customs and Excise) and where an agreement can be seen as part
commercial and part domestic (Julian v Furby).
 Candidates should then apply these principles to the given scenario by
 Considering whether Lucy’s agreement with her father (Malcolm) is valid
given their family association.
 Considering whether Lucy’s agreement with XL is binding given it is a
commercial agreement.
 Considering Lucy’s right to claim a free dishwasher even though XL claim
stock has been exhausted.
 Reaching reasoned conclusions as to the likely legal outcome regarding
each agreement.

Credit any other relevant case and any other valid and reasoned argument.

Responses limited to factual recall will receive marks limited to the maximum
in band 3. To achieve band 4 candidates should apply the law to the scenario
and reach reasoned conclusions.

© UCLES 2022 Page 8 of 10

9084/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2022
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

5 Discuss any potential contractual liability Susan may have to Toby and 25
Una.

Candidates may show knowledge and understanding by:

 Outlining the essentials of a valid contract with emphasis on offers,
revocation and acceptance.
 Explaining revocation of an offer with particular reference to revocation
by a reliable third party (Dickinson v Dodds)
 Explaining the general rule of acceptance (Entores Ltd v Miles Far East
Corporation)
 Explaining the postal rule of acceptance (Adams v Lindsell) and the
conditions where it can apply For example, specified or reasonable
means of acceptance (Henthorn v Fraser), posting in proper manner (Re
London & Northern Bank), and properly addressed and stamped (Holwell
Securities v Hughes).

Candidates should then apply these principles to the given scenario by:

 Concluding Susan is making an offer.

 Considering whether Toby has made an unconditional acceptance by
post conforming to the requirements of the offer made by Susan.
 Considering the significance of the intervention of the third party, whether
they are ‘reliable’ and the fact that Toby knew the offer had been
withdrawn before he posted his letter of acceptance.
 Reaching reasoned conclusions as to the likely outcome.

Candidates can receive credit for considering possible remedies available to

either Toby or to Una depending on the line of argument and conclusions.

Credit any other relevant case and any other valid and reasoned argument.

General, all-embracing, responses are to be awarded a maximum mark within

mark band 3. To rise into the higher bands compelling conclusions should be
drawn.

© UCLES 2022 Page 9 of 10

9084/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2022
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

6 Advise Carl whether he has any grounds to make the contracts void for 25
mistake.

Candidates may show knowledge and understanding by:

 Identifying the issue of mistake in general and common mistake in
particular.
 Recognizing the general rules of caveat emptor, caveat vendor, nemo
dat non habet and the attitude of the law towards those who do not look
out for their own interests and are consequently misled or mistaken.
 Explaining general principles: viewed objectively (Smith v Hughes),
mistake to precede contract (Amalgamated Investment & Property Co Ltd
v John Walker & Sons Ltd), to induce the contract and to be of fact.
 Defining common mistake and explaining the circumstances when it
occurs; non  existence of the subject matter at the time the contract is
made  res extincta (Scott v Coulson, Couturier v Hastie, S.6 Sale of
Goods Act 1979, McRae v Commonwealth Disposals Commission),
ownership of the subject matter at the time of contracting  res sua
(Cooper v Phibbs), as to quality (Bell v Lever Brothers, Solle v Butcher
and Great Peace Shipping Ltd v Tsavliris Salvage (International) Ltd).

Candidates should then apply these principles to the given scenario by:

 Considering whether Carl could argue common mistake because both he

and Diane were mistaken as to the existence of the vase at the time of
the contract. Would the distinguishing case of McRae v Commonwealth
Disposals Commission apply thus making the contract valid?
 Considering whether the mistake regarding the quality of the painting
purchased from Emma is fundamental. Apply the test in Bell v Lever
Brothers. Discuss whether there is potential for Carl to claim that the
contract may be rescinded in equity and replaced with one which has a
more appropriate price but conclude that this is unlikely following the
decision in Great Peace Shipping.
 Making analogy with cases to develop clear arguments based on judicial
reasoning.
 Reaching reasoned conclusions whether the two contracts would be void
for common mistake and the effects of such a finding.

Credit any other relevant case and any other valid and reasoned argument.

To reach band 4 and above reasoned argument and logical conclusions need
to be made.

© UCLES 2022 Page 10 of 10