Law

Course summary

Law Affects virtually all aspects of our lives and regulates much of our everyday activity.During the course students will study criminal and civil law and develop their ability to analyse legal rules and principles and factual issues. Students will construct persuasive legal arguments to offer answers to problems and evaluate the strength of those arguments. Success in the subject will require students to take an interest in current legal affairs,to read widely and write in a clear and concise manner. A good memory is essential because there are a lot of cases to remember. A commitment to progress your study outside the classroom must also be assumed. English Legal System - this includes a study of: • The criminal courts and the role of magistrates and the jury in criminal trials. • The way judges interpret Acts of Parliament, e.g. are prostitutes soliciting “in” the street if they are calling out of a window? • Delegated legislation e.g. is a local authority allowed to try to stop people singing obscene songs in private? • Legal personnel including barristers, solicitors, legal executives and judges. Criminal Law - general elements of liability including: • The offences of assault, battery and grievous bodily harm, together with sentences a defendant may receive. • The offences of murder, manslaughter and defences which could be raised, e.g. self-defence, consent. • The offences of theft and robbery. Civil Law - knowledge and understanding of private law including: • Liability in negligence for injury to people and damage to property. • Topics such as nuisance, vicarious liability and medical negligence. • The rules of the law of contract, including warranties and conditions and breach of contract