Module Descriptors
INTRODUCTION TO LAW AND PRACTICE
LAWS41093
Key Facts
School of Justice, Security and Sustainability
Level 4
15 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 45
Independent Study Hours: 105
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- MULTI-CHOICE TEST weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
The module will explore the nature of law and introduce the main sources of law and how they are made. Consideration of how and under what institutions people in the UK are governed will be included. The module will challenge students to differentiate between the civil and criminal systems, the hierarchy of case law and the courts, and the role of judges, magistrates and juries. Students will understand the important role of methods of alternative dispute resolution.
There will be a strong focus on topical issues within the English legal system and learners will be encouraged to apply a critical perspective, identifying possible areas for reform. The significance of European influences will also be considered, with exploration of the effect of membership of the European Union and the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998. The module will include a particular emphasis on issues that may be of practical relevance in a legal environment.
There will be a strong focus on topical issues within the English legal system and learners will be encouraged to apply a critical perspective, identifying possible areas for reform. The significance of European influences will also be considered, with exploration of the effect of membership of the European Union and the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998. The module will include a particular emphasis on issues that may be of practical relevance in a legal environment.
Module Learning Strategies
The learning strategy for this module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 45 hours of class support and 105 hours of independent and self-directed study.
Class sessions will be delivered in 30 x 1.5 hour study periods to cover key aspects of module content through a range of varied teaching and learning strategies. Class sessions will provide opportunities for formative assessment in addition to preparation for summative assessment.
A range of learning strategies will be employed in timetabled sessions to provide opportunities to disseminate knowledge and consolidate understanding. Students will frequently work in groups and pairs investigating key aspects of the English legal system, including topical issues. Class sessions will include participation in tutor-led discussions and debates, to challenge learners to identify and evaluate both positive strengths and criticisms of the English legal system, for example, the role of magistrates or the jury. Students will participate in a range of research exercises to find information, for example on delegated legislation or Alternative Dispute Resolution, and will engage in analysis of their findings, presenting these to the class. Visits to the Magistrates' Court and the Crown Court will provide a practical context to underpin and inform classroom study.
Students are expected to actively engage with the Moodle pages relating to this module. This will include guidance on strategies for independent learning, including direction towards appropriate reading, and will place a particular focus on formative exercises to reinforce learning and consolidate understanding, such as interactive quizzes. Students will be able to access additional support from the module leader, through email, telephone contact and individual tutorials.
Class sessions will be delivered in 30 x 1.5 hour study periods to cover key aspects of module content through a range of varied teaching and learning strategies. Class sessions will provide opportunities for formative assessment in addition to preparation for summative assessment.
A range of learning strategies will be employed in timetabled sessions to provide opportunities to disseminate knowledge and consolidate understanding. Students will frequently work in groups and pairs investigating key aspects of the English legal system, including topical issues. Class sessions will include participation in tutor-led discussions and debates, to challenge learners to identify and evaluate both positive strengths and criticisms of the English legal system, for example, the role of magistrates or the jury. Students will participate in a range of research exercises to find information, for example on delegated legislation or Alternative Dispute Resolution, and will engage in analysis of their findings, presenting these to the class. Visits to the Magistrates' Court and the Crown Court will provide a practical context to underpin and inform classroom study.
Students are expected to actively engage with the Moodle pages relating to this module. This will include guidance on strategies for independent learning, including direction towards appropriate reading, and will place a particular focus on formative exercises to reinforce learning and consolidate understanding, such as interactive quizzes. Students will be able to access additional support from the module leader, through email, telephone contact and individual tutorials.
Module Resources
www.parliament.uk (Parliament)
www.europa.eu (Europa)
http://www.echr.coe.int/echr/homepage_en (European Court of Human Rights
Appropriate texts, legislation and case law
Module Study Guide
Moodle materials
IT facilities to access material available on the web and specialist on-line databases
LexisNexis and Westlaw
www.europa.eu (Europa)
http://www.echr.coe.int/echr/homepage_en (European Court of Human Rights
Appropriate texts, legislation and case law
Module Study Guide
Moodle materials
IT facilities to access material available on the web and specialist on-line databases
LexisNexis and Westlaw
Module Texts
ESSENTIAL TEXTS: Elliott, C. and Quinn, F., The English Legal System (2012, 13th edn, Pearson Longman)
Huxley-Binns, R. and Martin, J., Unlocking the English Legal System (2010, 3rd edn, Hodder)
Martin, J., Key Facts: The English Legal System (2010, 4th edn, Hodder)
Huxley-Binns, R. and Martin, J., Unlocking the English Legal System (2010, 3rd edn, Hodder)
Martin, J., Key Facts: The English Legal System (2010, 4th edn, Hodder)
Module Additional Assessment Details
A Multiple Choice TEST: 1.5 hour 100% (Final assessment)
Students will complete an online multiple choice test. The test will assess knowledge and understanding of key features of the English legal system. The test will include questions with a practical emphasis, to focus learners on issues pertinent to working in a legal environment, and will include reflective assessment of a formative assessment as outlined below. (Learning outcomes: 1- 3)
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Class discussion and debate will provide opportunities for both tutor and peer feedback, to guide developing knowledge, understanding and powers of analysis. Students will gain detailed individual feedback from the module leader on pieces of written homework, completed worksheets, and on their findings in relation to research activities. Individual tutorials provide an additional opportunity to offer guidance and constructive feedback, to support learners in achieving to their full potential. Students will participate in small group presentations on issues of contemporary importance in the legal profession.
Students will complete an online multiple choice test. The test will assess knowledge and understanding of key features of the English legal system. The test will include questions with a practical emphasis, to focus learners on issues pertinent to working in a legal environment, and will include reflective assessment of a formative assessment as outlined below. (Learning outcomes: 1- 3)
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Class discussion and debate will provide opportunities for both tutor and peer feedback, to guide developing knowledge, understanding and powers of analysis. Students will gain detailed individual feedback from the module leader on pieces of written homework, completed worksheets, and on their findings in relation to research activities. Individual tutorials provide an additional opportunity to offer guidance and constructive feedback, to support learners in achieving to their full potential. Students will participate in small group presentations on issues of contemporary importance in the legal profession.