LAW3143 - Law Foundations

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
demonstrate understanding of some fundamental concepts and principles of the English legal system and knowledge of some key laws in these areas and apply acquired knowledge to problems and issues concerning English law.
communicate knowledge and arguments in written form appropriate for the purpose and audience using proficient English and correct legal terminology.
demonstrate understanding of main ways and avenues through which legal cases are reported.
understand the layout of Law Reports and the types of information included.
locate and interpret cases in Westlaw UK and LexisLibrary in order to research cases.

Content:

This module introduces foundation legal principles and concepts. It will guide students through various fundamentals including in connection with the English legal system focusing on interesting and topical contexts, cases and principles as well as the way the law is reported; how citations works; and how to research cases.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Significant or striking cases, topics and case studies are used to stimulate student interest and develop understanding and knowledge. In seminars students will work in groups to engage with selected case studies and case reports and to locate additional materials through standard reference resources. Guidance will be provided on understanding citations (names of parties, and report reference), legal terminology, and understanding the layout of the reports, and the legal details contained in the reports (texts of judgments, including statements of facts and judicial reasoning made by judges).

Seminars
Hours: 80
Intended Group Size: 40

Guided independent study
Hours: 220

Further details relating to assessment
Essay: Students will be provided with an essay question. This is designed to test students acquired knowledge and understanding of relevant issues and concepts in connection with foundations of law and to formulate and critically analyse them in addressing the essay question provided, in a written format, allowing them to make judgements based on an informed understanding of arguments in the area of law in question using information from a range of appropriate sources. The essay will also test effective referencing and basic research techniques including identifying, selecting and presenting information and evaluating critical commentary.

Case Study: Takes the form of a multi-issue real world scenario that requires the student to undertake independent research, to apply their findings to the given scenario and to provide a fictional client with appropriate legal advice and relevant guidance. As such, students will be expected to review the scenario, research relevant statutory provisions and case law, identify the relevant procedural requirements and apply the law to the material facts of the situation, and to outline potential solutions.

Formative assessment will be integrated into sessions. For example in seminars/workshops, student groups provide structured input/feedback on each other’s work, set in the context of tutor and peer input. Students can then use this feedback and the critiques to inform their submissions.

Full details of the module are contained within the Module Handbook.

Assessment:

001 Essay; 1,000 words; end of semester 1 25%
002 Case study; 2,000 words; end of semester 2 75%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Simon Best
Level - 0
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 3YL

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