Law LLB (Hons)

In this module you will develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of criminal law and knowledge of key offences and defences. You will consider the nature, scope and function of the criminal law and be introduced to fundamental concepts concerning the elements of criminal liability. You will study key criminal offences with key defences being introduced at appropriate points. Topics relevant to participation in crime and inchoate offences (assisting and encouraging crime, conspiracy and attempt) will also be covered. You will learn how to recognise and locate relevant criminal law cases and statutes using on-line and print resources and how to comprehend, explain and apply the information so obtained. You will develop the ability to explain and analyse the criminal law and will be able to apply its principles to the facts of given scenarios.

This module covers the following topics:

• Elements of criminal liability (actus reus and mens rea)
• Homicide (murder and manslaughter)
• Non-fatal offences against the person (e.g. assault and battery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, unlawful wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm and unlawful wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intent)
• Sexual offences (e.g. rape and sexual assault)
• Offences under the Theft Act 1968 (e.g. theft, robbery and burglary)
• Criminal Damage
• Accomplice liability
• Inchoate offences (assisting and encouraging crime, conspiracy and attempt)
• Liability in criminal law for omission to act
• Defences (e.g. intoxication, automatism, duress and self-defence)

In this module you will develop an understanding of the law relating to the formation, operation and termination of contracts. You will, through the study of contract, be introduced to the finding, reading and use of a primary source of law, the law report. As the law of Contract is mainly a case law based subject you will be expected to read law reports and extract rules from this source of law. Such law will then be used to analyse problem and essay questions.

This module covers the following topics:

• An overview of the law of contract, its place in the common law and the operation of the doctrine of judicial precedent, and the factors affecting the development of modern contract law.
• Formation of Contract: agreement, certainty, intention to create legal relations and consideration, including promissory estoppel.
• Contents of contract: express and implied terms; interpretation of contracts; exemption clauses and unfair terms.
• Vitiating factors: misrepresentation, mistake, duress and undue influence.
• The doctrine of privity of contract and the exceptions to the doctrine.
• Discharge of contract: performance, breach, agreement and frustration.
• An outline of the law of remedies for breach of contract.
• A brief outline of the law of restitution.

This foundational module aims to provide you with a sound practical understanding of the English legal system, including its origins, institutions, processes and actors. All key sources of English law are explained and you will be trained in their retrieval and analysis. Particular attention is given to the techniques of interpreting statutes and legal cases and an understanding of how to use legal sources to substantiate legal arguments. You will have an opportunity to undertake independent research into elements of the English Legal System.

This module covers the following topics:
• The basic principles of English law and the English Legal System;
• The role of law-making bodies such as Parliament;
• The role of the judiciary;
The personnel of the law
• Statutory interpretation and judicial precedent;
• Legal research skills

This module will introduce you to the key skills required to be a successful law student and graduate such as legal writing, legal research and case analysis. The module focuses on supporting you in making a successful transition to undergraduate study of law. The module is designed not only to assist you in developing legal skills but also to understand why such skills are important in the context of your wider studies. You will also explore how these skills are transferrable to the graduate employment market. You will learn where to look for graduate opportunities, how to make an application and how to successfully navigate the recruitment process such as interviews, assessment centres and psychometric testing.

The module will require you to engage with a range of tasks designed to help you develop your academic and employability skills, and to understand their importance to both your undergraduate study and your future professional career.

In this module you will develop a critical understanding of Tort Law in England and Wales. Tort Law concerns the circumstances in which a person may be liable to provide a remedy to another for the consequences of a civil wrong (other than a breach of contract). You will learn about why and how the law has evolved to create obligations in Tort Law, the shape and extent of those responsibilities and the remedies available for failure to meet those obligations. An indicative list of topics include:

An introduction to the nature and function of Tort Law

Trespass to the person – personal rights to freedom from intentional interference with bodily integrity

Negligence:

Duty of care – when a duty of care is owed to another, and the scope of that duty

Breach of the duty of care – the standard of care expected, and determining when it is met

Causation and remoteness – the principles determining the extent of responsibility for loss

Defences – full and partial defences available

Occupiers’ liability to persons on their premises (lawfully and otherwise)

Vicarious liability – when a person may be responsible in Tort law for the actions of another person

Remedies

You will develop knowledge and critical understanding of Tort Law in these aspects, reading and applying cases, statutes and other material to answer problem questions and essay questions.

You will build upon and continue to develop the key skills required to be a successful law student and graduate such as legal writing, legal research and case analysis. The module focuses on supporting you in making a successful transition to undergraduate study of law. The module is designed not only to assist you in developing legal skills but also to understand why such skills are important in the context of your wider studies. You will also explore how these skills are transferrable to the graduate employment market. You will learn where to look for graduate opportunities, how to make an application and how to successfully navigate the recruitment process such as interviews, assessment centres and psychometric testing.

The module will require you to engage with a range of tasks designed to help you develop your academic and employability skills, and to understand their importance to both your undergraduate study and your future professional career.

You will develop your understanding of academic conventions in UK higher education aligned to your level of study, including expectations around critical analysis, structure, argumentation, evidencing, and referencing. The module focuses on developing communication strategies that will help you express your ideas clearly and coherently in written assignments and spoken activities. You will also reflect on your current academic and language skills and develop strategies for development ahead of your assessments.