This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The module will aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of the nature and sources of English law, including its political nature and the hierarchy and structure of the English Legal System. Included within this, the problems associated with the interpretation and implementation of the law will be highlighted. The political nature of law and its relation to justice will also be stressed. In the second period, separate areas of the law will be considered (e.g. criminal law, contract law, and constitutional law) in order to give students a feel for the many different branches of law and how these often inter-relate.
Autumn Start
Total contact hours: 96
Private study hours: 204
Total Study hours: 300
Spring Start
Total contact hours: 100
Private study hours: 200
Total Study hours: 300
NA - there is no core text for this module
Main assessment methods
Assignment 1 (1000 words) (15%)
In Course Test 1 (45 minutes) (15%)
Assignment 2 (1500 words) (25%)
Seminar participation (5%)
Examination, (2 hours) (40%)
JYA English Plus alternative assessment in lieu of exam:
Written Assignment (1,500 words)
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
The recommended textbook is:
Gary Slapper, How the Law Works (Routledge 2016)
Additional reading:
P.S. Atiyah, Atiyah's Introduction to the Law of Contract (Oxford University Press 2006)
Helen Carr, Sarah, Carter and Kirsty Horsey, Skills for Law Students (Oxford University Press 2009)
Jacqueline Martin, Unlocking Criminal Law (Routledge 2015)
Gary Slapper, The English Legal System (Routledge 2016)
April Stroud, Making Sense of Land Law (Palgrave Macmillan 2013)
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Recognise the basic forms and sources of law
Differentiate between case law and statutory law
Approach the law in a critical manner through encouragement to evaluate legal judgements
Develop a further understanding of other subject areas, for example, history, philosophy and politics through perceiving law as a social practice
Compose a basic legal argument in response to a problem question
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Enhance their reading skills, extend their vocabulary and their language awareness through reading legal texts
Take personal responsibility for their learning through reading texts independently
Further their writing skills and learn to reference accurately, especially case reports and statutes,
Through essay writing and the composition of answers to problem questions
Through seminar discussion students will improve their speaking skills and their ability to present an argument cogently
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