The Legal Studies module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the court structure, procedures and personnel of the legal systems of the United Kingdom and the European Union. The module aims to enable students to focus on the law and regulations that underpin the operation of limited companies and to appreciate the laws and regulations that affect the operation of limited companies. The law relating to contractual and tortious liability is also considered in detail.

A    Knowledge and Understanding:

• understand the fundamental principles of the unwritten constitution of the United Kingdom;
• understand, compare and contrast the remedies available to a claimant in a civil action in respect of tortious liability or breach of contract;
• understand, compare and contrast the defences which may be available to a defendant in a civil action;
• understand the legal rights and responsibilities arising in the workplace as derived from both common law and statutory sources;
• understand the legal protection of ideas, concepts and data with particular application to information technology;
• understand and contrast the legal philosophies guiding legal reform in the UK;
• to have synthesised a practical repetoire of knowledge which will help them, and which they will apply, in their future careers in business or in general management.

B    Intellectual Skills:

• the ability to differentiate between different sources of law;
• the ability to critically assess options available to participants in civil and criminal actions.

C    Discipline Specific Skills:

• to gain an indepth knowledge of issues relating to parliamentary sovereignty in the United Kingdom;
• to understand the nature of the participation of the United Kingdom within the European Union;
• evaluate the nature and function of registered companies and the regulatory structure within which they operate;
• assess the role of directors, the company secretary and auditors in financial reporting and the governance of companies.

D    Transferable Skills:

• critical analysis;
• writing coherently on legal issues impacting across all aspects of professional and personal life.

The module will be delivered through a mix of large & small group face-to-face sessions, including, where relevant, supporting digital learning activities and/or recordings

The examination contains a range of questions designed to test students knowledge, comprehension and analytical skills.  Students are particularly encouraged to demonstrate their reading and critical appraisal skills.  The questions set are designed to fully assess the students skills and knowledge, as well as their appreciation of international issues and developments.

Definitions of law; differences between criminal and civil actions; the Common Law and doctrine of Precedent; legislation and the supremacy of Parliament; legislative process, and pressure groups; powers, duties, composition of the institutions of the European Union, personnel within the legal profession, including training and functions; criminal courses structure, including magistrates and juries; development of equity and equitable remedies and procedures including trusts; tortious liability, including the concept of duty of care; defence to a tortious action; contract law – components of a contract, comprising offer, acceptance, consideration, intention to create legal relations, vitiating factors in contract formation, limitation of liability in contracts, application of UCTA 1977 and subsequent legislation; assessment of damages for breach of contract, practical application of contractual principles; employment law – common law and statutory rights and duties including health and safety legislation; agency – rights and duties arising in the principal agent relationship; information technology and its legal environment.

Legal aspects: modes of organisation; legal background; sources of funding; management and control; corporate governance; capital maintenance.