Foundations of Legal Method & Advocacy

RATIONALE

The purpose of this introductory module is to provide students with an overview of some of the fundamental concepts and components of the study of law. In this course, students will acquire a basic understanding of legal vocabulary and the basic skills lawyers need. The module introduces information, ideas, policy issues, debates and some of the key institutions and processes that comprise the legal system. This module construes the essential characteristics of a system that has served as the foundation for many legal systems around the world: the English legal system and the fundamentals of common law reasoning. Throughout the course, students will engage with the techniques of legal reasoning used in the common law world, legal process, and the sources of English law.  

AIMS

The overarching aims of the module are as follows:
1.    Introduce concepts and principles of legal reasoning
2.    Comprehend the variety of sources of law
3.    Identify the characteristics and sources of the English legal system
4.    Research and apply legal principles from statutes and case law to legal problems
Students will engage with the materials through formative assessments, online activities and a live session. They will also have the opportunity to develop and propose their own ideas for reforming the Legal System through discussion forum activities.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
2.    Identify concepts, theories, and principles of common law and legal reasoning
3.    Identify appropriate advocacy techniques for resolving legal disputes
4.    Apply legal research techniques in utilizing legal precedent and the hierarchy of rules. 
5.    Draw on a variety of primary and secondary sources to demonstrate skills in legal research and writing