Module Information

Module Identifier
LP30105
Module Title
The Legal System in England & Wales for GDL Students
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Ms Mary-Jane Horgan
Semester
Semester 1
Co-Requisite
LP30220, LP30320, LP30420, LP30520, LP30620, LP30720, LP30820, LP30920
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
LA10110, GF10110

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Online MCQ  100%
Supplementary Assessment [as necessary to comply with the SRA's requirements]  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Understand the development of the legal system, and be able to comment upon the characteristics which this has produced. In particular, they should have an understanding of the use and significance of judicial precedent, and the relationship between binding precedent and the system of courts. They should be able to describe and comment upon the so-called "rules" of statutory interpretation, and see how this, and the role of judges in interpreting precedents is perceived as "law-making". Students should understand the role of the legal profession and the jury.

Students will have knowledge and understanding of:

  • the theoretical underpinning of law and
  • the legal environment
    • Analytical skills will be developed together with an understanding of relevance and irrelevance.
As to other skills and qualities, students will develop:
  • independent research skills,
  • written and oral skills,
  • reading and interpreting information

Brief description

This introductory module will examine the structure of the legal system in England and Wales. The role of the judiciary in the interpretation of legislation and the development of case law will be analysed. Dispute settlement methods will be examined by looking at the formal legal litigation process and the distinction between law and fact. The structure of the court system and the role of the legal profession will be examined. A brief introduction to the historical development of the law in England and Wales is provided, with particular emphasis on the growth of common law and equity. This module aims to provide the GDL student with an overall understanding of the environment in which the law operates.

Content

1. Introduction to law as a subject: What is "law"?
2. Outline of the Court System
3. Law and Fact
4. Case Law and the System of Precedent
5. Legislation and Statutory Interpretation
6. Tribunals and Alternative Dispute resolution
7. The Legal Profession and the Role of the Jury in the Legal System

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number
Communication Preparation for, and discussion, in seminars.
Improving own Learning and Performance Post-lecture research and seminar preparation.
Information Technology Post-lecture research and seminar preparation.
Personal Development and Career planning Learning throughout the module will be relevant to a career in the legal profession.
Problem solving Preparation for and discussion of problem-solving questions in seminars.
Research skills Post-lecture research and seminar preparation.
Subject Specific Skills Legal research: use of specifically designed legal databases as a resource for statute and case law.
Team work Seminar work: preparation and group discussions.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6