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LS1528: INTRODUCTION TO ENGLISH LEGAL SYSTEM (2017-2018)

Last modified: 25 May 2018 11:16


Course Overview

This 7.5 credit course introduces key elements of the English legal system, building on points considered in the Legal System course. It considers sources of law (with a focus on the common law and doctrine of precedent), key institutions and personalities (eg police, jury, Lord Chancellor), criminal and civil processes, key controversies (eg the future of legal aid, the place of social media and the diversity of judges) and the present and developing nature of the different branches of the legal profession, particularly in the face of evolving technologies. Assessment is by research exercises OR an exam at the student’s choice. 

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 1
Term Second Term Credit Points 7.5 credits (3.75 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Prof Abbe Brown

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Programme Level 1

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Programme Level 1
  • LS1025 Legal System (Studied)
  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course will explore the key elements, institutions and procedures of the English legal system.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

100% written examination lasting 2 hours (closed book, no legislation)

OR, at the choice of the student

30% poster and 70% essay (1500 words including footnotes, excluding bibliography). The poster and the essay will be on different prescribed topics.

The student must elect on whether or not to pursue the exam or the poster/essay paths by a prescribed date, which will be just before the first of the summative assessments.        

Resit: 1 two-hour examination.

Formative Assessment

  1. Optional opportunities to prepare formative essay and practice poster.
  2. Optional opportunity to complete practice exam.
  3. On a less formal basis, verbal feedback is given during tutorial discussions.

Feedback

The summative assessment is marked and returned with detailed written comments within 3 weeks of submission. For the practice exam mentioned, written feedback comments are put on each script, supplemented by a lecture hour which goes over all aspects of the exam performance. Written feedback is provided on the practice essay and oral feedback on the practice poster. The course coordinator extends a general invitation to nay member of the class who wishes to discuss his or her performance.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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