Course Resources Archive

This module examines the system of family law in England and Wales and the legal regulation of domestic relations between adults and the private law relating to children and parents.

The essential elements of a valid marriage including void and voidable marriages. Grounds and procedures for divorce and matrimonial finance and property provisions on divorce. Cohabitation and protection against domestic violence and abuse. Parental responsibility and children's rights. Private law relating to children including residence and contact orders and resolution of private disputes involving parents and/or children.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of those aspects of family law identified in the indicative syllabus above and form a critical judgement on areas of controversy and/or uncertainty within the topics studied;

2. demonstrate understanding of the social and political context of family law and its importance to society together with the underlying policy reasons for the changes in family law, past and present with particular emphasis on those proposed for the future;

3. analyse problems in family law, apply the legal principles studied to these problems and present well supported conclusions, both orally and in writing;

4. read and study primary and secondary sources of family law, with limited staff guidance, access, interpret and use law reports, statutes, secondary legislation and Law Commission reports;

5. identify sources for research and establish a strategy for research using standard and electronic research tools.

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