School Programmes, Syllabi & Academic Information.

LAW

LAW (81 hours)

Aim

The aim of the Law course is to introduce students to the concept and implications of Law, helping them to become acquainted with the structure and operation of the institutions and processes of the British Legal System, by examining theoretical and practical legal issues. It is designed to give students a practical understanding of the legal environment and to ensure that they will recognise the existence of a legal requirement and the area of law to which such a requirement belongs.

The course will take the form of ONE weekly lecture of THREE hours’ duration. Lectures will provide the background structure, which will be supplemented by involvement in activities and case studies. The students will be encouraged to work on specific problem sets.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will:

  1. Acquire informed knowledge of the Sources of Law
  2. Understand the importance of Judicial Precedent
  3. Know the hierarchy of the Courts and the entire structure of the Court System as well as become familiar with Alternative Dispute Settlements
  4. Recognise the essentials for a valid Contract
  5. Be aware of Offer, Invitation to Treat, and Acceptance within the field of Contract Law
  6. Understand the circumstances under which a discharge of a contract is made and the remedies for such discharge
  7. Be acquainted with Negligence in the area of Tort Law
  8. Be aware of Duty of Care and breach of Duty of Care
  9. Understand the legal consequences associated with defective products
  10. Be able to recognise the essentials of Consumer Protection Legislation
  11. Gain in-depth knowledge of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice
  12. Be able to determine the difference between murder and manslaughter
  13. Recognise the distinction between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter
  14. Be aware of the different defences in criminal offences and the anticipated penalties

Syllabus

What is Law?

  • Law and society
  • Law and Morality
  • Law and the Regulation of Economic Activity
  • Some important Legal concepts: Rights and Duties, Legal personalities

How is law brought about?

  • Legislation
  • Statutory interpretation
  • Judicial Precedent
  • Equity and Law Reform

How is law enforced?

  • Means of Resolution
  • Administration of Law
  • Resolution in Action

How does law affect us?

  • Law and Society
  • Civil Liability
  • Criminal Liability

The Marketplace

  • Contact, Criminal, Tort, Land, Equity and Trusts
  • Formation of Contract
  • The Contents of Contracts
  • Vitiating Elements in Contracts
  • The Discharge of Contracts – Remedies for Breach of Contract
  • The Sale of Goods
  • The Supply of Goods and Services
  • Buying Goods on Credit
  • Negligence and Product Liability
  • Consumer Protection

International law and European Community law

English Law and Language

  • Central features of the English Legal System
  • The Constitution
  • Sources of Law
  • The Courts
  • The judiciary and the jury
  • Introduction to the law of contracts
  • Introduction to criminal law
  • The European dimension

Resources and Booklist Suggestions

  1. Keenan D., ‘English Law’, latest edition, Pitman Publishing.
  2. Keenan D., Riches S., ‘Business Law’, latest edition, Pitman Publishing.
  3. A-Level Law, Hogan, Seago, Bennett, Sweet Maxwell
  4. English Law and Language: An introduction for students of English, R. Locke, Phoenix Publishers
  5. English Law and Language: An introduction for students of English, R. Locke, Phoenix Publishers
  6. A – Level Law, Dugdale et al, Butterworths, 1988
  7. The Foundations of European Community Law, Hartley, Claredon Press, Oxford, 3rd ed., 1990