Overview

This module gives you a basic introduction to how laws are made in England and Wales. In terms of sources of law, it covers the basic roles of Parliament, courts, judges and case law, and gives an overview of the impact of EU directives on the legal system in England and Wales. It looks at the workings of the legal system, including processes related to civil and criminal cases; the different types and levels of court; the jury system; and the roles of judges, barristers, solicitors and court officials. The module will also familiarise you with some of the special vocabulary of the law.

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 as follows. 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) Practical examples of real cases to illustrate the above points.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (40-49% / D- to D+): 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.

Satisfactory (50 – 59% / C- to C+): Student demonstrates reasonably comprehensive coverage of learning outcomes, indicating generally accurate understanding, based on lecture material and some core readings. Some gaps in knowledge and/or understanding evident.

Good (60-69% / B- to B+): 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 (70% + / A- to A*): 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.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of the main features and principles of the English and Welsh legal system.

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

• Describe the role of figures such as judges, barristers and solicitors in the legal process.

• Use real-life cases to explain the role of different types and levels of court.