Course Resources Archive

This module will encompass the foundations of the English Legal System. There will be references to the main sources of law, civil courts, courts of special jurisdiction, alternative ways to resolve legal disputes, resourcing of legal services, criminal courts, juries, magistrates, judges and how the law may change.

Consideration will be given to the common law and equity, their origins, development and relevance today. There will be reflection upon aspects of judicial precedent and also legislation, with particular reference to statutory interpretation. The civil courts will be studied including jurisdiction and routes of appeal. Courts of special jurisdiction will be considered together with tribunals and alternative dispute resolution. An outline of the criminal courts will be given, their jurisdiction, rights of appeal and miscarriages of justice. Juries will be scrutinised, the qualifications for service, their role, advantages, disadvantages and alternatives to the jury system. The module will refer to magistrates and attention will be given to judges, including their social and educational background, selection, training and role. There will be an outline of law reform and how it is achieved together with other ways by which the law may change.

i. Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
a)  Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of those aspects of the English Legal System identified in the content summary above.
b)  Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the social and political policy considerations which shape the law e.g. alternative ways to resolve legal disputes and the   resourcing of legal services.
c)  Demonstrate an understanding of the system of law reform and proposed areas of reform.

ii. Skills
By the end of the module, students should have developed skills in:
a) Sources and research.  Be able to identify sources for research and establish a strategy for research using standard research tools
b)  Analysis evaluation, critical judgement and synthesis  Be able to analyse complex problems in the area of English Legal System to identify the legal principles to be applied
c)  Autonomy and ability to learn:  Be able to carry out  reading and study with limited staff guidance and be able to manage and plan their workload
d)  Communication and literacy:  Be able to communicate more complex legal issues clearly, both orally and in writing, using legal terminology correctly.
e)  Other key skills:  IT: be able to use electronic sources for research and to present   an accurately word processed text.
Teamworking: be able to work in a group as a participant who contributes effectively to the group’s task.

Staff/student contact 30%
Student independent study 70%

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.