Module Descriptors
FAMILY LAW AND PRACTICE
LAWS51070
Key Facts
School of Justice, Security and Sustainability
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Jaswinder Schofield
Email: J.K.Schofield@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 45
Independent Study Hours: 105
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Texts
ESSENTIAL TEXTS: Standley, K. Family Law (Palgrave Macmillan Law Masters), (7th Edition 2010)
Herring, J Family Law (Longman Law Series) (5th ed. Longman 2011)
Duffield, Kempton, Sabine Family Law and Practice 2012 (College of Law 2012)
Black, Bridge, Bond and Gribbon. A Practical Approach to Family Law (9th ed. OUP 2012)
Herring, J Family Law (Longman Law Series) (5th ed. Longman 2011)
Duffield, Kempton, Sabine Family Law and Practice 2012 (College of Law 2012)
Black, Bridge, Bond and Gribbon. A Practical Approach to Family Law (9th ed. OUP 2012)
Module Resources
Library - Law reports and journals
Internet
Lexis Nexis and Westlaw
www.legislation.org
http://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family
http://www.cafcass.gov.uk/
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/DG_10012311 (Child Support Agency)
http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/about_legal_aid.asp
Internet
Lexis Nexis and Westlaw
www.legislation.org
http://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family
http://www.cafcass.gov.uk/
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/DG_10012311 (Child Support Agency)
http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/about_legal_aid.asp
Module Additional Assessment Details
1. Stage 1: students will be required to read preliminary documents and listen to a taped scenario, and then prepare guidance to a client working in groups.
2. Stage 2: Exam (final assessment): students will sit a 2.0 hour unseen examination and in timed conditions give advice to a client (will assess Learning Outcomes 1-4)
Formative assessment: class discussions and debates provide opportunities for both tutor and peer feedback. Students will gain detailed individual feedback on pieces of written homework, completed worksheets, and on their findings to research activities. Individual tutorials provide additional opportunities to offer guidance and constructive feedback, to support learners in achieving their full potential.
2. Stage 2: Exam (final assessment): students will sit a 2.0 hour unseen examination and in timed conditions give advice to a client (will assess Learning Outcomes 1-4)
Formative assessment: class discussions and debates provide opportunities for both tutor and peer feedback. Students will gain detailed individual feedback on pieces of written homework, completed worksheets, and on their findings to research activities. Individual tutorials provide additional opportunities to offer guidance and constructive feedback, to support learners in achieving their full potential.
Module Learning Strategies
Whole group sessions: Classes meet 3 hours weekly over 15 weeks. Students receive lectures and are expected to take comprehensive notes. Questions are invited. 45 hours
Study Centre activities: Students are given research tasks to perform independently, and are intended to be able to report back with their findings to the whole group. 35 hours
Group activities: Students are encouraged to work together in solving problem questions on family law. The group should allocate a spokesperson who will report back to the whole class. 35 hours
Directed learning: Students are given substantial reading assignments, and are expected to engage in independent research and assignment preparation. 35 hours
Study Centre activities: Students are given research tasks to perform independently, and are intended to be able to report back with their findings to the whole group. 35 hours
Group activities: Students are encouraged to work together in solving problem questions on family law. The group should allocate a spokesperson who will report back to the whole class. 35 hours
Directed learning: Students are given substantial reading assignments, and are expected to engage in independent research and assignment preparation. 35 hours
Module Indicative Content
Sources of family law and how to access them; courts and personnel involved in family law.
Types of family structures: cohabitation, marriage and civil partnership and how these are formed; key differences between them in terms of legal rights and obligations.
The law of divorce and dissolution under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 and Civil Partnership Act, and suggestions for reform.
Divorce procedure.
Financial relief during marriage, and ancillary relief provision under Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.
The law on domestic violence
The Children Act 1989: Concept of parenthood, parental responsibility, orders available both privately and in public law, and principles applied by courts in making orders.
Impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on family law.
Types of family structures: cohabitation, marriage and civil partnership and how these are formed; key differences between them in terms of legal rights and obligations.
The law of divorce and dissolution under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 and Civil Partnership Act, and suggestions for reform.
Divorce procedure.
Financial relief during marriage, and ancillary relief provision under Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.
The law on domestic violence
The Children Act 1989: Concept of parenthood, parental responsibility, orders available both privately and in public law, and principles applied by courts in making orders.
Impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on family law.