Key Legal Concepts

Overview

Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
Convenor: Dr Victoria Ridler
Assessment: an oral examination (100%)

Module description

Legal knowledge is not just for lawyers. Whether you are working in policy, journalism, research or the arts, a basic understanding of legal systems and the core areas of substantive law can enhance your career and understanding of the world. This module provides a foundation in legal knowledge for those not pursuing a professional qualification in legal practice.

Indicative syllabus

The legal systems: the English legal system, including the common law tradition and comparative law
Key concepts in constitutional law
Key concepts in criminal law
Key concepts in contract law
Key concepts in tort law
Key concepts in property
Key concepts in equity and trusts
Key concepts in international law, and regional treaties
Critical reflections of legal authority, reasoning and the role of law in society

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

demonstrate knowledge of core legal subjects, specifically constitutional and administrative, criminal, contract, tort, property, equity, international, regional treaties
understand legal systems and methods including legal argument and interpretation
synthesise and critically reflect on legal knowledge and methods in broader social, political, philosophical and historic contexts
demonstrate knowledge and skills by presentation of information, analysis, and critical reflection in response to questions.