Introduction to Legal Study LAW1020

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Law
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes

Short Description

This course provides an introduction to Scots law and the Scottish Legal System. It introduces students to the history of Scots law, court procedures and legal processes (civil and criminal litigation, tribunals etc), precedent, legislation and statutory interpretation.

Timetable

First preference: weekly lectures at Monday 10-11; additional lectures Tuesday 9am.

Second preference: weekly lectures Tuesday 9am; additional lectures: Thursday 12-1

Requirements of Entry

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Entry to the LL.B (Scots Law) degree.

 

Recommended Entry Requirements

Excluded Courses

Legal Skills for Graduates

Common Law System and Method

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The course is 100% assessed by way of a 90 minute exam that will take place in the December examination period.

Main Assessment In: December

Course Aims

The overall aims of the course are:

■ to introduce students to the study of Scots law and the Scottish Legal System

■ to introduce students to the sources of law in the UK 

■ to provide students with an understanding of court structure and the application of judicial precedent

■ to develop students' skills in interpreting and using sources of law

■ to introduce students to the legal institutions relevant to legal practice in the UK

■ to provide students with a basic understanding of civil procedure in Scots Law

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to: 

■ demonstrate an understanding of the sources of law in the UK

■ explain principles of statutory interpretation in the UK and deploy them to analyse legislative materials

■ use knowledge of the judicial system in the UK to evaluate the precedential value of decisions

■ demonstrate an understanding of the importance and use of judicial precedent

■ demonstrate an understanding of civil procedure and the relationship between law and procedure

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Completion of Summative Assessment.