Cretney, Masson & Bailey-Harris. (2003) Principles of Family Law, 7th edition.
Hale, Pearl, Hoggett & Bates. (2003) Family Law and Society - Cases and Materials, 5th edition. Butterworths
Fortin, J. (2003) Children's Rights and the Developing Law, 2nd edition. Butterworths.
Others referred to in the module guide.

Well stocked library
Computer facilities with internet access
Other resources noted in module guide.

This module will be delivered through 10x2 hour seminar sessions .
It will be supported by student research and personal study guided by the tutor, particularly through preparation for and discussion within seminars.
Reading and further study will be provided through the information within the module handbook and via the seminar contributions and guidance given in teaching sessions

1. The changing concept of childhood and children's rights.
2. The concept of the welfare of the child, including professional welfare and services for children.
3. The concept of Parental Responsibility
4. The public care system and the child.
5. Assisted Reproduction and Surrogacy Law - the 'alternative' family.
6. Adoption Law.
7. Children in the international legal context

Three assignments, two of which will be produced during the operation of the module, and one at the end of the teaching period of the module:

One of 2,000 words, weighted at 20% - Assesses All Learning Outcomes.
This first assignment will explore an area of Child Law requiring suggested solution(s) to a problem question focussing on issues in Child Law.

One of 3,000 words, weighted at 30% - Assesses All Learning Outcomes.
This second assignment will provide opportunities for students to explore particular contemporary issue(s) in Child Law.

One of 5,000 words, weighted at 50% - Assesses All Learning Outcomes.
The final assignment will provide opportunities for students to explore and reflect upon the legal provision in child Law by focussing on selected aspects of the law relating to children.

Assessment Criteria

Fail
Exhibits some knowledge but little understanding: limited evidence of research or appropriate reading. Primarily descriptive and/or contains irrelevant material. Poor spelling or other grammatical errors.

Pass
Exhibits knowledge and a degree of understanding but contains little in the way of critical analysis. Some evidence of research or appropriate reading; lacking in structure but contains relevant material. Satisfactory referencing, citation and bibliography.

Merit
Illustrates good knowledge application and comprehension. Material wholly relevant to the question. Good presentational skills; well structured arguments. Evidence of depth and breadth of research as well as a degree of independent judgement. Demonstreates a clear ability to analyse, think critically and synthesise ideas.

Distinction
Illustrates extensive reading and research appropriate to the question. Illustrates a clear understanding of the interrelationship of concepts, ideas, theories and arguments; contains strong critical and analytical evaluation of material using a wide variety of sources. A degree of originality. Excellently presented in terms of structure, style and referencing.