On completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of the structure of the English Legal System.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of primary and secondary legal research tools to learn and apply the law.
Enquiry

3. Demonstrate the application of key principles of the English Legal System to a range of multiple-choice questions, including problem scenarios.
Learning

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT:

All of the Learning Outcomes will be assessed by:

1.5 hour online multiple-choice test (100% weighting)

This module is designed to provide students with an introduction to the English Legal System including the sources of legal knowledge. Students will examine:

- Sources of English Law
- The Court Structure
- Parliament and the Legislative Structure including statutory interpretation
- How to research law and use both primary and secondary resources
- Dispute resolution and ADR
- Civil Justice System
- Criminal Justice System
- The role of the Judiciary and lay participation

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 150 hours of activities, split between 39 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 111 hours of directed and independent study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment task.

WHOLE GROUP SESSIONS (LECTURES)
In these sessions, students are introduced to the general concepts underlying the subject and provided with an outline of the relevant legal principles and case law. Teaching materials, including the use of the VLE platform, supplement the sessions. These sessions guide students towards consolidating their knowledge and understanding in preparation for their weekly workshop.

SMALLER GROUP SESSIONS (WORKSHOPS)
These are preceded by a period of independent learning which builds upon the work encountered in the lecture session. The module materials contain indicative reading for each session, together with subjects for discussion and case studies. The purpose of the smaller group sessions is to help students assess their understanding of a topic, to develop analytical skills, and to learn how to apply legal principles to factual situations. For all smaller group sessions, there are questions to help guide reading and preparation. The sessions encourage active participation and interaction among students and between students and tutors. A variety of teaching methods are adopted in order to encourage the development of essential skills such as intellectual rigour, communication, problem solving, research, teamwork, negotiation, presentation, referencing, judgement and the appropriate use of IT. The sessions will be supported by the use of formative multiple choice questions to enhance learning and prepare for assessment.

DIRECTED AND INDEPENDENT STUDY (111 hours)
Independent study includes research and preparation for the work to be undertaken in the smaller group sessions and consolidation of understanding afterwards. Directed study opportunities are provided to enable students to revise key topics at important stages in the module. Directed and independent study aims to develop a deeper understanding of issues within the area of the English Legal System. Students are provided with guidance in their module materials, including Blackboard VLE. Completion of the tasks encourages students to assess their progress, identify strengths and weaknesses and manage their time more effectively.

Elliott, C., & Quinn, F. English Legal System (19th Edition, Pearson, 2018)

Access to:

Westlaw
Lexis-Nexis
Practical Law Online
E-books and Journals

None