Overview

This module comprises of eight units (four within semester one, and four within semester two) which broadly cover three distinct areas: Constitutional, Administrative and Human Rights Law. Within this module we explore the means by which Government is controlled and held to account, as well as the mechanisms by which individuals can secure the protection of their legal and human rights against Government.

Our sessions include, but are not limited to, exploration of the following themes: constitutional history, values, features and sources; the State institutions; the role of the Crown and the Royal Prerogative; principles of the UK Constitution (including the Rule of Law, Separation of Powers, and Parliamentary Sovereignty); Public Order Law; constitutional issues following Brexit; devolution in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England; Human Rights Law; as well as the role of the judiciary and the workings of Judicial Review.

Assessment Strategy

-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.

-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.

-excellent -A- to A* (70+%) An outstanding, possibly brilliant, 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.

-another level-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.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse the role of Human Rights Law within the United Kingdom.

• Critically evaluate the historical and contemporary context in which the UK Constitution operates, and the constitutional arrangements for both the UK and its devolved Nations.

• Employ advanced legal skills in critically applying knowledge of Administrative Law and Public Order Law to actual or hypothetical factual problem based scenario questions.

• Evidence a critical understanding of the major constitutional principles, the State institutions, and sources of Constitutional Law.

• Undertake independent legal research in relation to debates surrounding Public Law issues.