This course offers the opportunity to learn about the English Legal System, as well as some English law, and to consider the impact that European law has had in England. The course is taught in a combination of small group seminars and one-to-one tutorials.

Teaching strategies will include case studies, the analysis of current extracts from newspapers and journals, and group discussion. Course handouts will be provided, and students will be expected to undertake a programme of reading from textbooks and other sources. Topics covered include:

 INTRODUCTION TO LAW

The concept of law as a set of rules that prevent societies from becoming dysfunctional and chaotic. How the study of law helps us to understand the values and norms within a society. The sources of law in England; legislation and common law. Criminal law and civil law distinguished. Introduction to European law: its sources, and its impact on English law.

 SUBSTANTIVE LAW

Criminal Law: the elements of a crime; murder and mitigation. The Law of Contract: formation (how contracts are made); content (terms and conditions in contracts); and remedies for breach of contract. The Law of Tort: negligence (who owes a duty of care and to whom); defamation (libel and slander). The impact of European Law on these areas of English law.

LEGAL PERSONNEL

The Judiciary: the various courts operated in England; judges and lay persons in the English legal system. Prosecution and Defence: the role of Solicitors and Barristers; adversarial courts compared to other systems; the controversial role of The Jury.

THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT 1998

What is it? How effective has it been? Has it made a real difference?