MODULE SPECIFICATION
1. The title of the module
The English Legal System and Skills (LW327)
2. School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
Kent Law School
3. Start date of the module
Autumn 2014
4. The number of students expected to take the module
450
5. Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with
other relevant Departments and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None.
6. The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
Level C
7. The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
4 Credits, non-contributory (2 ECTS)
8. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn and Spring Term
9. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
All undergraduate law programmes.
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
The course will introduce and provide knowledge and understanding of:
11.1. The basic principles of the English Legal System
11.2. The law-making process
11.3. The court structure and administrative justice system
11.4 Legal research skills
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have;
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12.1. developed a working knowledge of the library and conduct research using electronic sources
and paper materials
12.2. the ability to read and evaluate cases, including the ability to identify ratio decidendi and
obiter dicta
12.3. a working knowledge of OSCOLA citation method and ability to provide legal citations
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
Part A: English Legal System
This module provides an overview of the English Legal System, including the following indicative
topics:
1) An introduction to Parliament and the legislative process
2) The court structure and the doctrine of precedent
3) An introduction to case law, including how to identify and the importance of ratio decidendi
and obiter dicta
Part B: Introduction to Legal Skills
The module also gives students an introduction to the basic legal skills that they will develop
further in their other modules throughout the degree. The focus here is on specific exercises to
support exploration and use of the library resources that are available, both in paper copy and
electronically through the legal databases, and on understanding practices of legal citation.
14. Indicative Reading List
A. Gillespie (2011) The English Legal System (4th ed) (OUP)
E. Finch and S. Fafinski (2011) Legal Skills (OUP)
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the
total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of
the intended learning outcomes
There are 10 hours of contact time delivered in the form of 8 one-hour lectures and a one-hour
seminar during induction week and a one-hour group library tour/exercise, led by peer mentors.
Plus 30 hours of private study.
The lectures will deliver MLO 11.1-11.3, and 12.1-2.
The seminar will deliver MLO 11.1-3 and 12.1-3.
The library tour/exercise will deliver MLO 11.1, 12.1 and 12.3.
The private study will deliver MLO 11.1-11.4 and 12.1-12.3.
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16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning
outcomes
This module is non-contributory and assessment does not form part of the formal 120 credits that
make up stage 1. The overall mark for the module will be pass/fail and students will be required to
pass both elements.
The summative assessments are:
1. Multiple Choice Test: 50%
2. Legal skills portfolio: 50%
Assessment 1 meets MLO 11.1-11.3, and 12.2.
Assessment 2 meets MLO 11.1-11.4, 12.1, and 12.3
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
There are no additional resource implications; the module will make use of existing resources.
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality
legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its
teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including
additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have
declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared
disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s
disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where needed.
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury
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SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted on the
above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of
module proposals"
................................................................
Director of Learning and Teaching
..............................................
Date
…………………………………………………
Print Name
Statement by the Head of Department: "I confirm that the Department has approved the
introduction of the module and, where the module is proposed by Departmental staff, will be
responsible for its resourcing"
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Head of Department
..............................................
Date
…………………………………………………….
Print Name
SECTION 3: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME IN AN ASSOCIATE COLLEGE
(Where the module is proposed by an Associate College)
Statement by the Nominated Officer of the College: "I confirm that the College has approved
the introduction of the module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
Nominated Responsible Officer of the Associate
College
………………………………………………….
Print Name
…………………………………………………..
Post
…………………………………………………….
Associate College
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Date