1. Analyse a set of given facts and identify relevant legal issues arising from these facts.

Knowledge and Understanding; Analysis

2. Construct a concise and coherent legal argument, integrating information from a range of relevant (mainly primary) sources of law.

Application; Problem Solving

3. Communicate clearly in writing, using correct legal structure, terminology, conventions and citations.

Communication; Application

4. Communicate orally, clearly, effectively and in an appropriate manner, recognising and illustrating the importance of courtroom etiquette, presentation and professional behaviours.

Communication

Summative:

1. A case file (which will assess learning outcomes 1,2 and 3) comprising a skeleton argument and bundle of documents appropriately structured and tabbed (40% total). Word limit of 1500 words is for skeleton argument only.

2. One assessed oral moot (60%) which will assess learning outcomes 1,2 and 4

Formative: practice moot

As this is a skills-based option, the substantive content is based on core subjects already studied. Students are, however, required to develop and learn new skills in order successfully to build an argument and present a case in an appellate court in accordance with the rules and conventions which apply in that forum.

Mooting is an opportunity to use and develop all the knowledge and skills already gained through your study of law in a real courtroom setting. This is your chance to test your ability to stand up in a higher court, put your legal arguments to a bench of judges and pit your wits against an opposing counsel. Mooting helps you to develop valuable skills, such as teamwork, research, organisation, the development of arguments and the articulation of those arguments. You will argue a point of law which was significant in the decision made at first instance in order to persuade the higher court to overturn that decision. This module will be of interest to students who wish to become advocates working in the tribunals and courts of England and Wales. The transferable skills that it develops, such as the ability to think on one’s feet, are also very valuable for other careers such as management roles, education and politics. The student teamwork dimension of the module is appealing to those whose career goals prioritise jobs in which working closely with colleagues on varied projects is a constant feature.

WHOLE GROUP SESSIONS / WORKSHOPS: 39 hours

Whole group sessions will take the form of workshops where students will have the opportunity to learn from topic overviews and activities which will be used to enhance research, presentation and a wide range of transferable skills. Students will be able to practise these skills through practice moots. Preparation for workshops will be supported by pre-reading, research activities as well as discussions supervised by the module leader.

DIRECTED AND INDEPENDENT STUDY (161 hours)
Independent study includes research and preparation for the work to be undertaken in the group sessions and consolidation of understanding afterwards. Directed study opportunities, are provided to enable students to revise, prepare and practice at important stages in the module. Directed and independent study aims to develop a deeper understanding of issues within the area of critical thinking, legal argument and legal research. Module information including timetable, class notes, practice activities, feedback, links to external resources, assessment details and additional resources to support study will be on the VLE. Students may also be expected to post comments and have on-line discussions through the VLE.


Total 200 hours

Core texts:
Fafinski S and Finch E, Legal Skills ( 9th edn, OUP - 2023) (Available via Law Trove)
Snape J and Watt G, How to Moot: A Student Guide to Mooting (2nd edn, OUP 2010) (Available via Law Trove)


Recommended:
Pope D and Hill D, Mooting and Advocacy Skills (3rd edn, Sweet & Maxwell 2015)

Access to appropriate primary and secondary legal resources via the library databases, such as: Westlaw; Lexis+; Practical Law Online; Law Trove; E-books and Journals

Computing facilities to access material available via VLE and the web.