The focus is on these topics:

1. The nature of 'law', its purposes, origins, and functions.
2. Court Structures (UK and Europe)
3. Case Law and Precedent and Statute.
4. Statute Law in its various forms (primary, secondary, etc); and its creation, and interpretation and application.
5. Human Rights: ECHR and Human Rights Act 1998.
6. The Judiciary and law personnel (lawyers, juries, etc)
7. 'Fact-finding' role of courts and tribunals, the relationship between 'facts' and 'law', and their relevance in the determination of disputes in adversarial proceedings.
8. Introductory-level legal method.
9. Funding justice: Legal Aid/LSC
10. Legal sources

WHOLE-GROUP SESSIONS Key topics are introduced in whole-group sessions, with opportunities to engage in work on tasks in small-groups work. Sessions include court visits, workshops, and student-managed learning activities. (20 Hours)

INDEPENDENT STUDY Ahead of the start of the start of the module and CPE course, students undertake pre-course reading and tasks. During the module they undertake directed and self-managed study. This consists of pre-session enquiry and preparation for tasks undertaken in the sessions; and reflective tasks, and study, after sessions. The aim is to encourage development of a critical understanding of ELS topics and issues in ELS studies. Students are provided with guidance in their module study guide, and in supporting materials.(40 hours)
DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS: Students are introduced to legal study skills, including enquiry, and enquiry-related skills (analysis, application, reflection). Problem-solving skills are introduced and developed, assisted by learning activities which include problem-based exercises and group work requiring analysis and application.

Access to appropriate texts, legislation and case law.
Module Study Guide.
Computing facilities will be needed to access material available on Blackboard and specialist on-line databases such as Lexis, Westlaw, BAILII and the Law Commission site.

Holland, J. & Webb ,J. 'Learning Legal Rules', Oxford University Press
Slapper, G. & Kelly D, 'English Legal System', Routledge Cavendish
Latest editions

1. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE STRUCTURE, KEY FEATURES, AND UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES OF THE ENGLISH LEGAL SYSTEM, INCLUDING EUROPEAN LAW ASPECTS, AND ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE THIS EFFECTIVELY IN A WRITTEN FORM.
Knowledge and Understanding
Communication

2. SHOW KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LEGAL SOURCES IN USE IN THE UK AND THE WAY LAW IS MADE, INTERPRETED AND APPLIED WHEN THE COURTS DEAL WITH CASES AND LEGAL ISSUES.
Application
Knowledge and Understanding

3.APPRECIATE THE ROLE OF THE COURTS AND ADVERSARIAL ASPECTS OF THE COURTS SYSTEM INCLUDING THE ROLE OF KEY PERSONNEL IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
Application
Knowledge and Understanding

A 2,500-word assignment weighted at 100%, assessing Learning Outcomes 1 – 3, completed at the end of the Induction/English Legal System course and before the start of the GDL/CPE Main Programme.

Students must obtain a "pass" as a condition of remaining on the course and progressing to the Main Programme. Although it is a formal course requirement to take and pass this assessment as a condition of remaining on the course and progressing to the Main Programme, the marks gained do not count towards students' GDL/CPE results