module specification

Movements such as Extinction Rebellion provide a timely reminder of civil liberties and human rights and variations within jurisdictions around the world. The Civil Liberties module introduces students to key principles relating to civil liberties. The module provides a clear, intricate and topical consideration of the law relating to civil liberties, including reference to the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Students on this module will develop a comprehensive understanding of the legal issues attached to civil liberties. It introduces and builds up critical understanding of the legal concepts which govern individual and collective rights and responsibilities, including the constraints the state may place on the citizen’s exercise of his or her human rights.  Topical issues will be discussed including individual rights and freedoms, the relationship between the individual and the state, freedom of expression, the right to demonstrate, the constraints that may be imposed on individuals’ human rights by the state and how the social and political conflicts and tensions which are intrinsic to the relationship of the individual and the State influences policy, decision-making and legislation. 

The civil liberties legal framework can have a significant impact from a social, political and commercial context and this module explores these issues as required. The human rights themes and concepts will be further developed in other modules such as the Human Rights in Europe and International Human Rights.

MODULES AIMS

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

• understand the complexities surrounding civil liberties;
• understand the scope and nature of civil liberties and human rights;
• understand the difficulties facing jurisdictional based liberties and to develop an understanding of the legal framework, protection and enforcement mechanisms;
• have the opportunity to apply knowledge through a series of practical exercises;
• understand the scope of civil liberties within the wider political and socio-economic context;
• awareness of contemporary issues relating to civil liberties;
• develop their ability to construct legal arguments.

No pre-requisites. Not available for Study Abroad.

Introduction

• Definition and scope of civil liberties and human rights within the context of societal values, the constitution and the legal framework.
• The relationship between the individual and the state in terms of specific individual rights and freedoms
• Approaches to redress breaches of those rights

Implementation and enforcement

• Enforcement of civil liberties
• The protection of civil liberties in both domestic and international law

Contemporary and topical issues

• Areas of Civil Liberties           
• Freedom of expression
• Freedom of assembly
• Police powers
• Terrorism

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 legal knowledge focused on civil liberties and related aspects of human rights in society.
2. Evaluate the commercial and government policy implications of civil liberties and appreciate its socio- economic context.
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the work of the policy and legal framework which shape approaches to civil liberties.
4. Research and manage legal information from paper and IT resources and present competent legal arguments in writing.
5. Synthesise relevant case law and statute, understand and present conflicting arguments and apply the law to problem scenarios relevant to all aspects of civil liberties.

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.
4. Flexibility/choice in assessment methods will be introduced wherever possible in order to facilitate different learning studies and support personalization

Assessment of the module will be by way of a multi-media portfolio, which may include written/power point presentations, online blogs and video film etc. presenting a critical analysis of contemporary legal issues relating to civil liberties.

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.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/921091F5-5D61-B904-DB82-47C7BC273CA5.html?lang=en-US&login=1