Module Information
Module Identifier
LA15710
Module Title
Foundations of Law
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Also available in
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 7 x 2 Hour Lectures |
| Seminar | 4 x 1 Hour Seminars |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Exam | 1.5 Hours Exam Candidates are not permitted to bring any books, notes or any other materials into the examination. | 100% |
| Supplementary Exam | 1.5 Hours Exam Candidates are not permitted to bring any books, notes or any other materials into the examination. | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should have developed the following:
An understanding of key legal concepts
An appreciation of the role of law in society
A grounding in selected area(s) of substantive law
Familiarity with legal method and argument
Analytical, problem-solving, argumentation and critical skills
Linguistic and interpretive skills
Brief description
This module cannot be taken by Law Students.
The Foundations of Law module aims to provide a foundation in legal studies to students who have an interest in studying the law but who are not studying towards a Law Degree.
The module will involve a consideration of a number of important questions concerning the nature and role of law: What are the sources of law and what techniques are available to assist in comprehending and evaluating them? What questions should law students ask of these sources? What are the connections between law and justice, law and politics and law and morality? What is the relationship between the Courts and Parliament, between case law and legislation? What is the role of the judge? Do judges create or merely apply the law, and what is involved in 'applying the law' What, if anything, is distinctive about legal argument and legal analysis?
Students will be required to read a variety of materials during the module: law reports, statutory provisions, academic articles, and other commentaries. The emphasis will be on engaging in critical analysis and evaluation and on developing those abilities in the students.
The Foundations of Law module also introduces students to the skills that students must master if they are to be successful in the study of law ? reading cases and problem-solving. The module achieves this aim by providing opportunities for students to develop and refine these skills.
The module also offers some exploration into both criminal law and the law of contract. Students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts in both subjects and will be expected to read and understand original cases, and to reflect upon leading debates and issues.
During the module the kind of inquiry we engage in ranges from the very close reading of texts with a focus on the precise meaning of individual words and phrases, to a more policy oriented and theoretical consideration of ideas about law and justice.
The Foundations of Law module aims to provide a foundation in legal studies to students who have an interest in studying the law but who are not studying towards a Law Degree.
The module will involve a consideration of a number of important questions concerning the nature and role of law: What are the sources of law and what techniques are available to assist in comprehending and evaluating them? What questions should law students ask of these sources? What are the connections between law and justice, law and politics and law and morality? What is the relationship between the Courts and Parliament, between case law and legislation? What is the role of the judge? Do judges create or merely apply the law, and what is involved in 'applying the law' What, if anything, is distinctive about legal argument and legal analysis?
Students will be required to read a variety of materials during the module: law reports, statutory provisions, academic articles, and other commentaries. The emphasis will be on engaging in critical analysis and evaluation and on developing those abilities in the students.
The Foundations of Law module also introduces students to the skills that students must master if they are to be successful in the study of law ? reading cases and problem-solving. The module achieves this aim by providing opportunities for students to develop and refine these skills.
The module also offers some exploration into both criminal law and the law of contract. Students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts in both subjects and will be expected to read and understand original cases, and to reflect upon leading debates and issues.
During the module the kind of inquiry we engage in ranges from the very close reading of texts with a focus on the precise meaning of individual words and phrases, to a more policy oriented and theoretical consideration of ideas about law and justice.
Aims
To introduce non-law students to the study of law, in particular to the sources underpinning the law, to legal reasoning and argumentation and to core legal concepts.
Content
Overview of Legal System
Sources of Law
The Nature of Judicial decisionmaking
Reading Cases & Legislation
Law, Morality & Justice
Criminal Law Problem-Solving - Burglary
UK Human Rights
Internet & Law
Sources of Law
The Nature of Judicial decisionmaking
Reading Cases & Legislation
Law, Morality & Justice
Criminal Law Problem-Solving - Burglary
UK Human Rights
Internet & Law
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4