Module Directory

This module is designed for students with no previous knowledge of English law, or of Jurisprudence. Students will be introduced to the general principles of legal philosophy and encouraged to develop an understanding of the various contemporary writers on the subject and develop an insight to how and why the law evolves.

The Autumn term will introduce different legal theories which the students will apply to judgments and scenarios. The Spring term will build upon the philosophies and consider how and why law and society develop, including critical approaches to the law.

The aims of this module are:

• To provide an understanding of the general theoretical reflections upon law and justice.


• To promote discussion within the class to advance identification of the jurisprudential concepts of law.


• To enable students to associate the different theories with relevant case law.


• To encourage students to critically analyse theories of law.


• To develop students’ knowledge of competing theories in order that they may make critical comparisons.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key legal theories.


2. Identify and explain issues in legal theories, both orally and in writing.


3. Apply their understanding of legal theories to relevant statutes and case law.


4. Analyse and critique competing theories of law.


5. Contextualise legal theories in a contemporary context.

Skills for your professional life (Transferable Skills)

By the end of this module, students will have been offered opportunities:

1. To improve your written and oral communication skills.


2. To develop your IT skills by learning to work in word.


3. To improve your current awareness through debates on current affairs and recent cases.


4. To develop your personal plan of setting targets and time management to undertake coursework and exams.


5. Developing your ability to confidently analyse and critically reflect, in order to build persuasive arguments.


6. Learning how to undertake legal research and find answers to legal questions.

Syllabus

• What is Legal Theory?


• Foundations of State.


• State of Nature.


• Social Contract Theory.


• Law and Society.


• Legal Positivism.


• Natural Law.


• Crime and Punishment.


• Ethical Theories.


• Theories of Justice.


• Critical Legal Studies.


• The Project.

This module will be delivered via:

• One 2-hour lecture per week.
• One 2-hour seminar per week. 

Teaching and learning on the Law Pathway offers students the ability to develop the foundation knowledge, skills and competencies, to study an undergraduate LLB course, through a curriculum that is purposely designed to provide an exceptional learning experience. All teaching, learning and assessment materials will be available to both staff and students via Moodle in a consistent and user-friendly manner.

Lectures

Lectures primarily focus on the sharing of academic theory and concepts to ensure students develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the discipline and cultivate an appreciation of relevant research in the subject area. Lectures will outline the basis of the theory and traditional approaches and will also allow for wider perspectives and current case studies enabling students to develop the ability to debate and discuss in an informed manner.

Seminars

Seminars provide students with the opportunity to apply and reflect upon what they have learned from the lectures and guided study and aim to bring the knowledge and understanding ‘to life’ by relating it to current issues and practice. In seminars, students will develop skills of application, analysis and problem-solving through a variety of activities including quizzes, problem scenarios and essay-style questions. Seminars will be scheduled at a weekly set-time, for the duration of the module and will appear in the timetable. Students will be expected to undertake the guided reading, preparation and research, necessary for this module.