LAW-20094 - Module Specification
School of Law
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

The Contemporary Case Law Critique module offers you a unique opportunity to undertake case law analysis, supported by directed, independent research, in one of the core areas of legal study. You may select a recent case to appraise from a wide range of options drawn from Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Contract Law, Torts and Property. In completing this module, you will build your confidence and competence working with and analysing case law, key skills that are essential for the practicing or academic lawyer,

This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake a sustained piece of case law analysis focused on a recent judicial decision within one of the core areas of legal study. It will require students to engage with the facts of the case, its history, the context in which the case assumes relevance and the main legal issues raised. Based on their independent research, students will produce an extended case commentary/critique which analyses the reasoning employed by the judge(s) and assesses the legal significance of the case by reference to its social or political impact.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe and communicate clearly and succinctly the reasoning in (and relevance of) a decided case: 1
deploy independent research skills to locate, analyse and evaluate appropriate and relevant sources of law: 1
analyse, evaluate, utilise and critique arguments advanced by judges and academic commentators: 1
develop and articulate own view points, responses and arguments within a coherent and persuasive case analysis: 1
evaluate the significance of a case law development by reference to its legal, social or political impact: 1

Study hours

Introductory workshops: 2 x 2 hours = 4 hours
Learning Development Support 4 x 1 hour = 4 hours
Work in progress session: 2 hours
Writing Retreat: 6 hours
Module pre-reading and preparation: 12 hours
Independent study, research, further reading and assignment preparation: 122 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment