Module: LAW4000-20 The English Legal System With Legal Method

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Jeffrey Wale

Module Tutor Contact Details: j.wale@bathspa.ac.uk

Brief description and aims of module:

This module provides the foundation for legal study; providing you with essential knowledge of the law and legal systems of England & Wales, and the skills to find, interpret and understand that law. You will cover topics which overlap with subjects like politics, sociology and philosophy, as well as consider the practicalities of how the law operates in modern-day England & Wales.

In this module, you will be able to demonstrate the following graduate attributes:

▪ Will be employable: Equipped with the skills necessary to flourish in the global workplace, able to work in and lead teams;

▪ Will be digitally literate: Able to work at the interface of creativity and technology;

▪ Will be internationally networked: Either by studying abroad for part of their programme, or studying alongside students from overseas

Outline syllabus

Topics covered might include:

▪ The sources of law: Statutory, case, European, international and equitable law;

▪ ‘Doing’ law: Legal research, reading and interpreting the law, law-language-fact, and writing about law;

▪ Systems of law: Criminal, civil and family justice systems, non-court dispute resolution processes, and the actors in those;

▪ Rights and concepts: Human rights and philosophical ideas about the law, including the rule of law

Teaching and learning activities

You will be taught by way of 2x 1-hour lecture and 1x 2-hour seminar each week. Lectures will introduce and explore substantive subjects as specified above. Seminars will include a variety of activities including class discussion, scenario analyses, role-play, written and research exercises and other formative activities.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Legal Method Analytical Essay (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Exam

• Description: Examination (2 hour)

• % Weighting: 50%