Module BIC-0016:
Introduction to the Legal System of England and Wales

Module Facts

Run by Bangor University International College

10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Mrs Laura McKenzie

Overall aims and purpose

1) To provide students with a basic introduction to the legal system of England and Wales, its principles and processes 2) Although the focus is on the contemporary situation there is a historical element showing briefly how the legal system has developed over time 3) To describe the main features of the court system, the different types and levels of court, the jury system and the roles of judges, barristers, solicitors and court officials
4) To explain the different processes around civil and criminal cases 5) To show how laws are made and the contributions of Parliament, judges’ judgements and case law 6) To consider briefly the impact of EU directives and the role of European courts in the English and Welsh context

Course content

This module introduces students to the nature, features and operation of the English legal system, how law takes shape and the sources of law, including Europe. The main topics covered are: a) The development over time of the English and Welsh legal system b) The different courts within the system and how they function c) The roles of different figures in the courts and the role, where appropriate, of the jury system
d) Appeals to higher courts, including to Europe e) The legislative role of Parliament but also the other sources of law, including Europe f) The rights and obligations of citizens under the law g) Some practical examples of real cases to illustrate the above points

Assessment Criteria

good

Student has displayed a sound basic knowledge and understanding of much of the material studied in this module and achieved a high enough grade to indicate a clear ability to cope with the demands of an undergraduate level degree.

excellent

Student has engaged consistently well with all aspects of the module and strong achievement in assessments indicates the ability to perform effectively at undergraduate degree level.

threshold

Student has made sufficient progress in the study of this module to achieve the lowest level of pass allowing for progression onto an undergraduate degree.

Learning outcomes

    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the development through history of the legal system of England and Wales

  2. Explain the role of different types and levels of court

  3. Describe and explain the main features and principles of the English and Welsh legal system

  4. Describe the main sources of law in the legal system of England and Wales

  5. Use real life cases to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the above

  6. Describe the role of figures such as judges, barrister and solicitors in the legal process

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
CLASS TEST Interim class test

Identify sources of law and law-making processes. Distinguish between the different types of legal system

 30.00
EXAM Final exam

Unseen exam

 70.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Private study

Private Study – reading time, preparing and taking assessments 50 hours

 50
Seminar

50 hours of seminar style classes – 5 hours a week through a 10-week term

 50

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses: