Module Descriptors
CONSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW (FT)
LAWS60946
Key Facts
School of Justice, Security and Sustainability
Level 6
0 credits
Contact
Leader: Aidan Flynn
Email: Aidan.Flynn@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 54
Independent Study Hours: 146
Total Learning Hours: 200
Assessment
- EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
This module is designed to provide students with a critical understanding of Constitutional and Administrative Law, as well as the necessary skills to apply the law to a range of case studies. The module covers the powers of the state, the key institutions, the rights of the individual and the legal framework which unifies these elements. The module will also examine the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 and its relevance to Constitutional and Administrative Law.
Issues covered include:
- Constitutional Concepts: Sovereignty, Separation of Powers, etc
- Executive/Legislative/Judicial Powers
- Human Rights, esp with regard to Police Powers
- Judicial Review
- Tribunals
- Ombudsman
Issues covered include:
- Constitutional Concepts: Sovereignty, Separation of Powers, etc
- Executive/Legislative/Judicial Powers
- Human Rights, esp with regard to Police Powers
- Judicial Review
- Tribunals
- Ombudsman
Module Learning Strategies
WHOLE GROUP SESSIONS (LECTURES): In these sessions, students will be introduced to the general concepts underlying the subject, and provided with an outline of the relevant legal principles and cases. Handouts and teaching materials will supplement the sessions. During some of the sessions workshops will take place to develop research (including electronic resources) and problem-solving/essay-writing skills (2 hours per week for 22 weeks = 44 hours)
SMALL GROUP SESSIONS (TUTORIALS): These will be preceded by a period of independent student-centred learning. The module study guide contains indicative reading for each session, together with subjects for discussion and case studies. The purpose of the small 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. The aim is to develop research and analytical skills. For all small group sessions, there are self-test questions to help guide reading and preparation. In addition, there will be the use of team working. (10 hours, 5 per semester)
INDEPENDENT STUDY: This will consist of research and preparation for the work to be undertaken in small group sessions and assessment, and will aim to develop a critical understanding of issues within Constitutional and Administrative Law. Students will be provided with guidance in their module study guide. In addition, there will be the occasional use of directed study plans. Completion of a reflective assessment diary will encourage students to assess their progress, identify strengths and weaknesses and manage their time more effectively. (146 Hours Independent Study)
DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS: -
Research Skills:
The development of research skills in the context of Constitutional and Administrative Law is enhanced by work plans on the use of electronic resources such as Westlaw and the World Wide Web.
Problem-Solving Skills:
Specific learning activities such as problem based exercises and other group work are integrated into the tutorial programme to enhance problem-solving skills.
TOTAL LEARNING TIME = 200 Hours
SMALL GROUP SESSIONS (TUTORIALS): These will be preceded by a period of independent student-centred learning. The module study guide contains indicative reading for each session, together with subjects for discussion and case studies. The purpose of the small 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. The aim is to develop research and analytical skills. For all small group sessions, there are self-test questions to help guide reading and preparation. In addition, there will be the use of team working. (10 hours, 5 per semester)
INDEPENDENT STUDY: This will consist of research and preparation for the work to be undertaken in small group sessions and assessment, and will aim to develop a critical understanding of issues within Constitutional and Administrative Law. Students will be provided with guidance in their module study guide. In addition, there will be the occasional use of directed study plans. Completion of a reflective assessment diary will encourage students to assess their progress, identify strengths and weaknesses and manage their time more effectively. (146 Hours Independent Study)
DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS: -
Research Skills:
The development of research skills in the context of Constitutional and Administrative Law is enhanced by work plans on the use of electronic resources such as Westlaw and the World Wide Web.
Problem-Solving Skills:
Specific learning activities such as problem based exercises and other group work are integrated into the tutorial programme to enhance problem-solving skills.
TOTAL LEARNING TIME = 200 Hours
Module Resources
Access to appropriate texts, legislation and case law
Module study guide
Computing facilities will be needed to access material available on the web and specialist on-line databases.
Specialist software (Lexis-Nexis, Westlaw)
Module study guide
Computing facilities will be needed to access material available on the web and specialist on-line databases.
Specialist software (Lexis-Nexis, Westlaw)
Module Texts
Parpworth, N (2008) Constitutional and Administrative Law, 5th edition Oxford University Press
Or later editions, if available
Or later editions, if available
Module Additional Assessment Details
An EXAM length 3 HOURS weighted at 100%.
Details:-
Teaching Block 2:
1 x 3 hour examination - 100%, assessing Learning Outcomes 1-4
Details:-
Teaching Block 2:
1 x 3 hour examination - 100%, assessing Learning Outcomes 1-4