Introduction to English Law and Legal Method  Short Courses


Law plays a significant role in the structure and organisation of human affairs and is in large part responsible for the maintenance of order in society. This course provides detailed description of how legal rules are made and applied, along with an overview of the workings of the twin pillars of state, the courts and the constitution. Individual topics include: parliamentary legislation, the doctrine of precedent, equitable principles, legal terminology and law reporting. The significance of European Union membership and the impact of Human Rights Law are considered.




Course Information

Start DateStart TimeDurationCostCourse CodeApply
Monday 21 January 2013 18:30 - 20:30 10 weekly classes £350.00 CE1953 Apply Now
Monday 29 April 2013 18:30 - 20:30 10 weekly classes £350.00 CE1953 Apply Now

Tutor Info

Michael O'Sullivan

Eligibility

This English Law course is open to all with an interest in and enthusiasm for law studies. No formal qualifications are required, though students will be expected to apply their initiative in sourcing, researching and analysing law reports and parliamentary legislation.


English Requirements

Applicants must be proficient in written and spoken English.

What will I learn?

  • To understand the sources of English law and the English legal system.
  • To understand the position of English Law in relation to the European legislation.
  • To understand the impact on English law of the Human Rights Act 1998.
  • To interpret a statute.
  • To interpret a UK law report.
  • To interpret a  law report from the European Court of Justice.

Topics Covered

  • Parliamentary legislation law of equity
  • How to find and read case and statute law
  • The civil legal system
  • The criminal legal system
  • Judiciary/jury/funding
  • EU law
  • Human rights law
  • Advocacy and Tribunals

Teaching and Assessment

There will be a series of ten lectures, with scope for students to engage in class discussion on individual topics. There are no formal assessments though students will be invited to submit a piece of written work on a topic of their choice. In-class tests and student presentations are encouraged.

Recommended Reading

Textbooks:

Bradney: How to Study Law: Sweet & Maxwell: 2010
Slapper & Kelly: The English Legal System: Routledge: 2011
Goodrich: Reading the Law: OUP: 1986 Legal


Websites:

www.bbc.co.uk - (An excellent source of general information on English law)
www.bailii.org - (The British and Irish Legal Information Institute)
www.supremecourt.gov.uk - (Judgments from the highest court in the land)

Leads To...

The comprehensive knowledge gained from this course will enable students to progress to more advanced specialist areas of legal studies.

Career Outcome

Students will acquire:

1) An understanding of the importance of law as a social phenomenon.
2) The ability to utilise the techniques of sourcing and applying legal information.
3) An awareness of how statutes and case law are implemented.
4) Knowledge of the significance of Human Rights law and the law of the EU.

Application Deadline: