LAW3153 - Law and Society

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
demonstrate an understanding of the nature of common law and legal precedent within UK Law, in distinction from civil code systems.
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the historical background to common law as well as the broader implications of law and legal practice in society.
demonstrate an understanding of the relation between written law, legal precedent and the interpretation of individual cases.
relate precedent to UK Law to concepts of corporate personality and intentions.

Content:

The module offers a context for the discipline and encourages students to engage with the broader implications of law and legal practice in society. The module develops an understanding of the nature of common law and legal precedent within UK Law, in distinction from civil code systems drawing on examples from topical legal areas and legal practice.

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
Presentation: The presentation is based around given topics in the history and nature of common law and the nature of legal precedent. Students are expected to clarify the distinction between common law legal systems and those based upon civil codes.

Report: The report will analyse a given judgment in terms of its understanding of legal precedent: how the judgement was determined and how it binds subsequent judgements.

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 Presentation; 10 mins; end of semester 1 25%
002 Report; 2,000 words; end of semester 2 75%

Fact File

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

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