This module introduces the student to the critically important thinking skills needed for success in law and also exposes students to the need to think critically about law and its limits. The module introduces functions and concepts of law, sources of law, institutions and personnel of the legal system and uses a variety of exercises to develop law-related skills of research, interpretation, analysis and argumentation. The module aims to develop in students the key legal, general intellectual and transferable skills for law-related work, whether in academic study or practice. Instruction is through a mixed programme of delivery methods, with a strong emphasis on seminar sessions. Students are expected to practice the skills and methods introduced on the course in their own time and to take responsibility for the development of their own legal thinking skills.

• Construct basic legal arguments, demonstrating basic skills of case analysis, the analysis and interpretation of texts, the construction of legal argument, and demonstrating an awareness of the ‘rules’ and techniques of precedent and of approaches to statutory interpretation.

• With assistance, research a topical issue and present that research in oral and written form.Outline the key characteristics, sources of law, institutions and personnel of the legal system   of England and Wales.

• Explain the role and authority of European Union law and the influence of the European Convention on Human Rights on the legal system of England and Wales.

• A mix of lectures, films and readings.

  7 x 100 minute seminars (including 1 x 100 minute research workshop).

During this module students will be expected to

• Develop general and legal skills of accurate reading, analysis and argumentation, including case analysis skills, through practical exercises, demonstrating an understanding of the techniques of precedent.
• Develop skills in reading statutes through practical exercises, demonstrating an understanding of judicial approaches to statutory interpretation and an appreciation of styles of statutory drafting.
• With support, develop effective research skills including the ability to access primary and secondary sources and to reflect upon their relative authority.
• Make spontaneous and pre-prepared oral contributions to each seminar.
• Develop good oral and written presentation skills through debating, mooting and participation in a writing skills seminar.

Formative assessment

• 1 x case analysis exercise (Semester 1)
• 1 x coursework (Semester 2)

Summative assessment

* Coursework - 1,500 words 50% of module mark

* Exam - 2.5 hours in summer 50% of module mark

• The legal art of argument and persuasion.
• The art of textual analysis and interpretation.

• Sources of law.
• Court system of England and Wales; the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights.
• Reading and analysing cases and applying the doctrine of precedent.
• Reading statutes and statutory interpretation.
• Researching and debating a topical legal or socio-legal issue.
• Mooting.

No single book covers all aspects of the course.  However, students will be referred to the following textbooks:

• J. Holland & J. Webb, Learning Legal Rules (8^th Edition, Oxford University Press, 2013);
• H. Carr, S. Carter & K. Horsey, Skills for Law Students (Oxford University Press, 2009);
• E. Higgins & L. Tatham, Successful Legal Writing (2^nd Edition, Sweet & Maxwell, 2011);
• G. Slapper & D.Kelly, The English Legal System (14^th Edition 2013 – 2014, Routledge-Cavendish, 2013).
• A Thompson, Critical Reasoning: A Practical Introduction (3^rd Edition 2009, Routledge, 2009).

Students will also be referred to a range of primary sources (case law and legislation) and other secondary sources (research reports, policy documents and academic research).  The actual sources may change from year to year depending on legal and political developments.  A sample reading list for seminars is available on request.