Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Introduction to Law
Module Code	LG101
School	School of Law & Government
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Michael Doherty Semester 2: Michael Doherty Autumn: Michael Doherty
Module Teacher	Michael Doherty
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The aim of this module is to enable students to develop their critical awareness of the economic, social and political context in which law operates.The module aims to explore the functions of law within society and how law both shapes, and is shaped by, wider social forces.On completion of the course, the student will be aware of the main foundations and features of both the common law legal system and the basic principles of Irish law.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the role of law as a social, economic, cultural and political phenomenon
2. Critically appraise the key components of the Irish legal system, its connection with EU membership and its interaction with the international legal system
3. Identify the key principles of Irish law and how to locate and understand the sources of Irish law.
4. Identify the main ways in which law is reported and understand the roles of the people working in the legal system.
5. Display critical judgment regarding the application of legal principles to factual problem situations.
6. Develop legal research and writing skills

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent learning time	24	Exam revision
Group work	5	Assignment preparation
Independent learning	48	Reading for lectures
Assignment	24	Assignment write up and research
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative topics.
Introduction to the Irish Legal System & The Role of Law in Society.The Legal Profession.The Court System-Civil and Criminal Procedure and Jurisdiction.Redress, Reform and Access to Law.The Legislative Process.The Doctrine of Precedent.The Constitution- Interpretation and Rights.Introduction to European Union Law.Introduction to International Law..

Activities.
Students will be expected (via the guidelines, links and suggested readings on Moodle) to read case law and legislation, academic articles and core texts; participate in class discussions and keep abreast of ongoing developments in this area of law..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Group assignment	Group project	30%	Once per semester

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Byrne & McCutcheon,: 0, The Irish Legal System, (latest edition). All students should ensure they have access to this text. ,
Hogan & Whyte: 0, Kelly: The Irish Constitution,
Bradney, Cownie, Masson, Neal, & Newell,: 0, How to Study Law,

Other Resources

281, Website, 0, www.courts.ie; www.irlgov.ie; www.bailii.org; www.irishlaw.org; www.europa.eu.int, 282, Journals, 0, The Law Society Gazette; The Bar Review; Judicial Studies Institute Journal,

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