Module title
Introduction to English Law and the English Legal System 1
Module code
INT0018
Academic year(s)
2015/6
Credits
20
Basic module details
Module staff
Lawrence Obibuaku - Convenor
Duration (weeks) - term 1
12
Duration (weeks) - term 2
0
Duration (weeks) - term 3
0
Number students taking module (anticipated)
60
Description - summary of the module content
Module description
This module introduces you to English law through lectures, problem solving classes and tutorials.
Special features include mini-trials conducted by you on important issues, presenting cases like professional lawyers. Audivisuals resources will also bring the subject to life for you.
No pre-requisite and co-requisite modules are needed to take this module, nor any particular knowledge or experience, and it is
suitable for specialist and non-specialist students.
It is required if you want to study Law at Exeter University, and is accepted by all other Exeter social science courses.
Module aims - intentions of the module
Module aims
This module aims to provide a foundation in English Law and the English Legal System for students wishing to follow a degree
programme in Law, Humanities or Social Sciences.
Intended learning outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the English legal system
2. Demonstrate an understanding of Common Law reasoning, including judicial precedent
3. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the following key areas of English Law - Criminal Law and Contract Law
4. Develop legal arguments based on their own learning, both orally and on paper
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
5. Undertake directed research into a particular topic
6. Within limits of knowledge, analyse and evaluate the materials set for the module
7. Within limits of knowledge, assemble the ideas and information necessary for both oral and written presentations
ILO: Personal and key skills
8. Take responsibility for some of your own learning with appropriate support
9. Communicate reasonably effectively in a format appropriate to this discipline
Syllabus plan
Syllabus plan
This module will cover the basic structure of English Law and its legal system, and the foundations of the substantive law of
Contract and Criminal Law.
The Topics will include
• The English court system
• The doctrine of precedent
• The basic foundations of Criminal Law
• Topical Criminal Law: e.g. “When should provocation be a defence to a charge of murder?”
• The basic foundations of Contract Law:
Learning and teaching
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching
Activities
Guided independent study
Placement / study abroad
60
140
0
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category
Hours of study time
Description
Formal lectures and seminars
60
Lectures: Seminars - these will be a
mixture of class discussion, led by the
tutors, and mini-trials
140
Reading and preparation for class
discussion and mini-trials, research for
assignment, exam revision, web
materials
Guided independent study
Assessment
Formative assessment
Form of assessment
Size of the assessment (eg
length / duration)
ILOs assessed
Feedback method
Oral exercise
10 mins
4,7,9
Verbal
Essay
500-1000 words
2,3,4,6,7
Written report by tutors
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework
Written exams
Practical exams
50
50
0
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment
% of credit
Size of the
assessment (eg
length / duration)
ILOs assessed
Feedback method
Oral exercise
20
15 minutes
4,5,6,7,9
Written report
Essay
30
1000-1500 words
2,3,4,5,6,7
written feedback
Exam
50
2 hours
1,2,3,4,6
Written report
Re-assessment
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment Form of re-assessment
ILOs re-assessed
Timescale for reassessment
Exam and Essay
1,2,3,4,6
as soon as possible - before
exam board
Exam
Re-assessment notes
Referral will constitute a second formal examination – coursework will not be included in the re-assessment.
All summative coursework must be completed before entitlement to a referral. The grade for the referred exam, and therefore
the module grade, will be capped at 40%.
Deferred exams will not be capped and will include summative coursework marks in the final module grade.
Resources
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Contract Law Directions (3rd edition). Taylor, Taylor
Criminal Law Directions (2nd edition). Monaghan
English Legal System Directions (2nd edition. Wilson, Mitchell
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1914
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
Other details
Module ECTS
10
Module pre-requisites
Module co-requisites
NQF level (module)
3
Available as distance learning?
No
Origin date
05/09/2007
Last revision date
08/08/2014
Key words search
English Law, English Legal System