module specification

Civil Law and Practice provides students with an understanding of civil law in a legal practice context. The course introduces students to the civil law process, including the civil court system; alternative dispute resolution; the Civil Procedure Rules; and strategic issues related to settling civil disputes. The module also introduces students to professional conduct rules in a legal practice context.

The module aims to develop several key transferable skills including independent research, critical analysis and written and oral presentation skills in the context of a practical legal subject. It also aims to give students an insight into the practical aspects of law which is particularly valuable if they are contemplating a career in legal practice.

Student employability will be enhanced by the development both of these skills and also by the experiential learning involved in the practical exercises and the pro bono work which is integral both to the study and assessment of this module. The knowledge and skills gained on this module will also assist students who wish to go on to the admission courses set by the professional legal bodies, such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board.

1. The civil court system  LO1, LO2 and LO3

2. Alternative dispute resolution  LO1, LO2 and LO3

3. Civil Procedure Rules  LO1, LO2 and LO3
• The path of a claim
• Pre-action matters
• Issuing proceedings and court documents:
• Case management
• Disclosure of documents
• Witness statements
• Expert evidence
• Hearing
• Costs
• Funding
• Enforcement of judgment

4. Strategic issues  LO1, LO2 and LO3
• Offers to settle
• Offer to settle a dispute using ADR
• Injunctions
• Security for costs

Learning and Teaching Strategy

Weekly two-hour lecture and one-hour seminar. 

The lecture will be used for:

• Dissemination of knowledge through an overview of each topic with detailed guidance on appropriate aspects;
• An introduction to relevant academic literature;
• Guidance on learning strategies;
• Use of WebLearn and IT resources;
• Whole group questions and discussion.

The seminar will be used for the development of skills necessary to attain the module learning outcomes through:

• Written and oral questions/answers designed to reinforce fundamental rules, principles and cases;
• A range of step-by-step analytical exercises;
• Problem solving;
• IT tasks, such as research of cases and statutes;
• Practical role-playing exercises.

Blended Learning

All learning materials, previous examination questions and sample Q/A’s will be on WebLearn for use in directed private study.

Student engagement will be encouraged in both lectures and seminars through weekly use of WebLearn for access to all of the above materials.

There will be required use of the professional legal databases, especially Westlaw and Lexis Library, for legal research.

Opportunities for reflective learning/pdp

Each weekly seminar will contain space for students to reflect on what they have learnt in relation to the overall syllabus. There will be frequent feedback opportunities structured into the timetable and a range of sample answers posted onto WebLearn.

Students’ Study Responsibilities

The need for attendance, punctuality, preparation and engagement will be emphasised with particular reference to written and IT research, problem-solving, team-work, discussion, debate and critical awareness of the subject.

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

1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the key principles of civil litigation.

2. Demonstrate the ability to apply legal and factual information relating to civil litigation procedure to a range of hypothetical scenarios.

3. Demonstrate the ability to contribute to a pro bono clinic either by giving cogent, practical and accurate legal advice to a real-life client; or by a simulation exercise.

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