Module Descriptors
PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SKILLS FOR NON LAWYERS
LAWS71270
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 7
15 credits
Contact
Leader: David Simmonds
Email: David.Simmonds@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 12
Independent Study Hours: 138
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- ORAL weighted at 0%
- REPORT weighted at 50%
- CRITICAL COMMENTARY weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Resources
Access to Law Library
Internet
Blackboard
The Court Room
Internet
Blackboard
The Court Room
Module Additional Assessment Details
A three part summative assessment comprising the following:
- An oral presentation, given in a mock court scenario, weighted at 0% (LO 3)
- A written statement, 1000 words, weighted at 50%% (LO 1 & 2).
- A 2,500 word critical analysis on the writing of the statement, weighted at 50% (LO 1 & 2)
Students must undertake and successfully pass all three elements of summative assessment.
Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment):
Formative assessments will be undertaken during workshops with feedback being provided.
- An oral presentation, given in a mock court scenario, weighted at 0% (LO 3)
- A written statement, 1000 words, weighted at 50%% (LO 1 & 2).
- A 2,500 word critical analysis on the writing of the statement, weighted at 50% (LO 1 & 2)
Students must undertake and successfully pass all three elements of summative assessment.
Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment):
Formative assessments will be undertaken during workshops with feedback being provided.
Module Learning Strategies
Students will undertake a series of introductory lectures and workshops, with a two hour assessment.
Lectures 3 x 2 hours
Workshops 3 x 4 hours
Assessment in Courtroom 2 hours
Independent study and reflection 130 hours, which will comprise reading, research and preparation for the formative and summative assessments.
Reading, reflection, research and participation with Blackboard - 100 hours
Assessment preparation - 30 hours
Lectures 3 x 2 hours
Workshops 3 x 4 hours
Assessment in Courtroom 2 hours
Independent study and reflection 130 hours, which will comprise reading, research and preparation for the formative and summative assessments.
Reading, reflection, research and participation with Blackboard - 100 hours
Assessment preparation - 30 hours
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Students must be employed in a professional capacity in which they may be tasked with delivering evidence in court.
Module Texts
G. Slapper & D. Kelly, The English Legal System, 18th Ed, Routledge, 2017
A. Allbon & S.K. Dua, Elliott & Quinn’s English Legal System, 20th Ed, Pearson 2019
M. Partington, Introduction to the English Legal System, 14th Ed, OUP
A. Allbon & S.K. Dua, Elliott & Quinn’s English Legal System, 20th Ed, Pearson 2019
M. Partington, Introduction to the English Legal System, 14th Ed, OUP
Indicative Content
Students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of the English Legal System and specifically the work of the Courts.
They will engage in workshops in which matters of professional ethics and the surrounding legal concepts will be addressed.
Additionally they will undertake workshops on providing written and oral testimony in court.
Students will examine:
The role of common law and statute law
The hierarchal structure of the Courts of England & Wales
Professional ethics and the impact of legal regulation
Oral advocacy
Written advocacy
Prevent and British Values are imbedded throughout the module. British values are a set of social attitudes which aim to maintain social cohesion and equality.
The values are:
- Democracy
- The rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual respect and tolerance
All of which form part of the Prevent Strategy (2011)
They will engage in workshops in which matters of professional ethics and the surrounding legal concepts will be addressed.
Additionally they will undertake workshops on providing written and oral testimony in court.
Students will examine:
The role of common law and statute law
The hierarchal structure of the Courts of England & Wales
Professional ethics and the impact of legal regulation
Oral advocacy
Written advocacy
Prevent and British Values are imbedded throughout the module. British values are a set of social attitudes which aim to maintain social cohesion and equality.
The values are:
- Democracy
- The rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual respect and tolerance
All of which form part of the Prevent Strategy (2011)