module specification

You may be coming to this course with no prior knowledge of the components of the English legal system, or only a vague idea of how litigation and alternative dispute resolution operates within that system. Whilst it is possible to study a specific area of law without this broader knowledge, you will get a great deal more out of the course if you can contextualise it within the framework of legal practice, especially insofar as it relates to civil law and procedure.

This module will introduce you to the workings of the English Legal System in its historical, contemporary and international context. You will also have an introduction to aspects of commercial law, including contract and tort.

It includes the study of the sources of law; the law-making process; the institutional and court structure; and basic issues of civil procedure within the English Legal system.

You will also benefit from an introduction to legal method, which will introduce you to methods of legal research, analysis and logic; to a practical knowledge of the legal profession and careers; and to issues of judicial ethics.

MODULE AIMS

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to do the following:

• Reflect on the legal system in the context of contemporary legal issues.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of legal language, sources of English law and legal procedure;
• Read and understand primary and secondary sources of law (paper based and electronic);
• Practise the fundamental academic and professional skills necessary for practical and effective postgraduate study of law.

No pre-requisites. Not available for Study Abroad.

LEGAL LANGUAGE AND PROCEDURE

• The Categories of Law      
• The Language of the Law     
• The Overlap of Criminal and Civil Law 
• The Hierarchy of the Criminal and Civil Courts  

THE SOURCES OF ENGLISH LAW

• Statute Law and Statutory Interpretation     
• The Common Law
• The Doctrine of Equity
•  

INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE

• Sources of Criminal Law    
• Categories of Crime       
• The Police and the Crown Prosecution Service    
• The Criminal Courts
• Elements of Criminal Procedure

INTRODUCTION TO CIVIL LAW AND PROCEDURE

• Categories of Civil Law
• Civil Litigation
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Arbitration
• Mediation and Conciliation

THE ENGLISH LEGAL PROFESSION

• Solicitors       
• Barristers
• The Judiciary         
• Magistrates    
• Other Legal Practitioners 

LEGAL REASONING       

• Methods of Reasoning     
• Views on Legal Reasoning     
• Syllogistic Logic        
• Fact and Law

COMMERCIAL LAW

• Elements of the Law of Contract
• Elements of the Law of Tort

Overview

Students will be taught by a combination of online lectures, interactive online seminars, one-to-one supervision, and self-study of a comprehensive module, with students encouraged to read from specified case law and legal journals. Students will be given the opportunity to discuss theoretical issues as well as practical problem solving.  Students will be supported in undertaking on-line research using electronic law databases and encouraged to use on line legal resources on a regular basis. There is a virtual learning environment containing handbooks, lecture notes, weblinks, discussion groups, study skills materials and assessment criteria. 

Experiential Learning

Students will be encouraged to respond to realistic case-studies relating to the sector, giving written legal opinions to clients in the style of a professional legal advisor. Students will also be able to participate in the extracurricular experiential learning offered within the Law School, including the Pro Bono Clinic and the Mooting Club.

Study Support

Students will have regular access to module tutors by email and by one-to-one video conferences to support their studies. They will also engage with one formative assessment for each module, which will be marked promptly with opportunities for feedback either by email or individual online discussion.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to do the following:

1. Comprehend and manage a substantial body of knowledge focused on the English legal system, commercial law and civil procedure.
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the work of people professionally engaged in the English legal system.
3. Research and manage legal information from paper and IT resources.
4. Synthesise and analyse relevant case law and statute, understand conflicting arguments.
5. Employ the principles of legal logic.to apply the law to problem scenarios relevant to the English legal system and civil procedure.

The module adopts the assessment strategy principles of GSBL which have been developed in the spirit of ESJ. These are:

1. The School is committed to ensuring that each student should not have more no more than 2 assessment points per 20 credit module.
2. We provide balanced forms of assessment, both in terms of its overall volume (measured in terms of assessment points and output required and the types used.
3. Group activities are part of the learning and teaching strategies but assessment is at the level of the individual. Thus, assessment focused on individual reflections and learning from participating in a group activity.

Assessment of the module will be by way of a multiple-choice test, examining both factual knowledge and situational judgment.

In line with our policy on facilitating formative feedback to students, the assessment strategy is designed to provide formative feedback on the assessment before it is due to be submitted.

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