Overview

This module introduces students to the Legal System of England and Wales, providing a framework to study what the law is, how the system operates and the system in a social context.

The first half of the module examines key concepts such as the court structure (both civil and criminal), the judiciary, lawyers and the role and significance of lay participation in the system (magistrates, juries and tribunal members) , statutory interpretation and judicial precedent. The second half of the module will be more practice orientated in accordance with the SQE facing curriculum. Here, students will learn and explore the more practical side of both the civil and criminal procedure focussing on elements such as police powers, criminal evidence and the civil procedure rules in-depth.

Students will be encouraged to develop an understanding of the legal system as it moves into the 21st century, in comparison with other countries and with attention to its history.

The module introduces the student to the legal system of England and Wales, providing a framework to study what is law, how the legal system operates and the system in a social context. The main areas of focus will be:

Sources of Law: Primary, Secondary and International Laws Statutory Interpretation Court Classification, Case Law, and Judicial Precedent The Judiciary The Legal Profession and Legal Services The Law, Procedure and Process of Advising a Client and Pre-trial Considerations (Criminal Law and Procedure) Dispute Resolution (Civil Law and Procedure)

Assessment Strategy

Excellent: A- to A* (70+%) An outstanding answer containing all the material relevant to the question and no irrelevancy, all the material and references being accurate and correct, there being no inaccuracy or error, the whole presented in a clear, logical, critical argument with little room for improvement. An answer which demonstrates a complete mastery of the subject.

Good: B- to B+ (60-69%) High Standard: A comprehensive answer, containing all the material relevant to the question and no irrelevancy, all the material and references being accurate and correct, there being no inaccuracy or error, the whole presented in an argument which, while clear, logical and critical, leaves room for improvement in its construction and presentation. An answer which shows complete competence in the subject.

Threshold: C- to C+ (50-59%) An answer which, while always in the main accurate and correct, fails to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant material and is lacking in criticism. An answer which while reliable with regard to correctness is either not comprehensive or not entirely pertinent.

Lower Threshold: D- to D+ (40-49%) An answer which, while predominantly correct in its presentation of material, contains a significant level of error and is therefore not entirely reliable.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the legal system of England and Wales

• Demonstrate the ability to analyse legal information and apply it to legal problems

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate legal reasoning in writing

• Describe developments and reforms within the legal system of England and Wales

• Undertake independent legal research