University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Template revised October 2005)
Code: UPSNLH-30-1 Title: Introduction to the English Legal System Version: 1
Level: 1 UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15
Module type: standard
Owning Faculty: Social Sciences and Humanities Field: Sociology and Criminology
Valid from: September 2008 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: FdA Criminology and Criminal Justice
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations: None
Learning outcomes:
On completion of the module students are expected to demonstrate:
1. Critical understanding of the sources of English Law. (Component A&B)
2. An understanding of the legal principles in this area and how they apply in practice. (Component A&B)
3. Appreciation of the way justice in England and Wales is located in a broader European and international legal context. (Component A&B)
Syllabus outline:
This module will include discussion of:
1. Key institutions (Parliament, the Courts, European Union)
2. Processes of law making and reform (Influences on Parliament, Legislation, Common Law)
3. Statutory Interpretation and Delegated Legislation
4. The Court system, trial process and appeals
5. Funding of legal advice and representation
6. Comparison between civil and criminal law and overlap thereof
7. European and broader international arrangements for delivering justice and impact of these on British processes
Teaching and learning methods:
1. Lectures to provide an introduction to each subject area and outline the key theoretical debates.
2. Seminars providing structured discussion of contemporary issues relating to criminal justice agencies.
3. Seminars that require a group presentation
The lecture programme will be supported by use of Audio-visual resources.
Seminar support enhanced by use of electronic media such as Blackboard discussion groups, UWE online, email.
Reading Strategy:
Students will be required to read at least one book chapter or journal article to prepare for each lecture/seminar subject area. Where appropriate, book chapters will be digitised and made available through Blackboard and recommended journal articles will be available electronically through the UWE library. As there is a strong element of student-led learning, students will be expected to identify relevant sources for those topics they elect to study in more detail. They will therefore be encouraged to use the library catalogue, bibliographic and full text databases and internet resources.
Indicative Reading List:
The following list is offered to provide validation panels/accrediting bodies with an indication of the type and level of information students may be expected to consult. As such, its currency may wane during the life span of the module specification. However, as indicated above, CURRENT advice on readings will be available via other more frequently updated mechanisms.
Bailey,S., Gunn, M., Taylor, N., and Ching, J. (2007) Smith, Bailey and Gunn on the modern English legal system (5th ed). London. Sweet & Maxwell
Darbyshire, P. (2005). Darbyshire on the English Legal System (8th Edition). London. Sweet and Maxwell.
Elliott, C. (2007). English legal system (8th ed). Harlow : Longman.
Gillespie, A. (2007). The English legal system. Oxford. Oxford University Press.
Legislative Studies Quarterly
Legal Theory
Slapper, G & Kelly, D (2004). English Legal System. (7th Edition). London. Cavendish.
Zander, M. (2007). Cases and materials on the English legal system. (10th edition). Cambridge. Cambridge University Press.
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B A: 50% B: 50%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A (Controlled conditions)
Description of each element Element weighting
1.1 x 3 hour unseen examination 50%
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
1. 1 x Essay (1500 words) 25%
2. 1x Essay (1500 words) 25%
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is/is not required)
Component A (Controlled conditions)
Description of each element Element weighting
1. 1 x 3 hour unseen examination 50%
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
1. 1 x 1500 word essay 25%
2. 1x 1500 word essay 25%
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is not required.
Specification confirmed by …A.Chandler confirmed all SSH internal approval processes completed Date …25.06.08…………