Jurisprudence and Legal Theory A (LAWS0054)

The module provides the opportunity for rigorous study of selected topics in contemporary Anglo-American general jurisprudence.

General jurisprudence, broadly speaking, is an inquiry into the nature of law. This half module will canvas and also take some concentrated looks at Austin’s command theory of law, Hart’s theory based on a combination of two kinds of rules, Dworkin’s inerpretivist theory, and Raz’s authority-based theory. Along the way, we will deal with some of the relevant issues such as the nature of legal adjudication, the relation between law and morality, the difference between norms and values on the one hand and natural and social facts on the other, etc.

SECOND YEAR EUROPEAN LEGAL STUDIES (GERMAN) II

MODULE SUMMARY: 

This module will provide you with a comprehensive overview of German civil law. You will become familiar with the key features of German...

European Legal Studies (German) II (LAWS0015)

SECOND YEAR EUROPEAN LEGAL STUDIES (FRENCH) II

MODULE SUMMARY: 

Through analysis of the relevant provisions of the French Civil Code and of relevant cases, you will discover the key features of French...

European Legal Studies (French) II (LAWS0012)

MODULE SUMMARY: 

Through analysis of the relevant provisions of the French Civil Code and of relevant cases, you will discover the key features of French Contract Law (first term) and French Tort Law (second term).

AIMS OF THE MODULE:

The module is designed to introduce you to the basic principles of this area of French Private Law.

A lot of attention will be dedicated to reading and analysing cases so that you will gradually become familiar with the French judicial style of reasoning and grasp how and why the law, as written in the French Civil Code, has been construed by judges.

Pedagogically, the module also aims to train you in the two main types of exercises on which you will be assessed in your main subjects in France: the case-note (commentaire d’arrêt) and the dissertation.

MODULE STRUCTURE:

The module will entail two-hour weekly seminars complemented by a few methodology seminars. Advance reading of cases (available on Moodle) will be expected.

A list of books for further reading will be made available at the top of the Moodle page but the seminar will follow the structure displayed on the relevant handout.

Teaching, oral and written participation will be in French.

MODULE ASSESSMENT:

During the course of the year, one compulsory practice assignment will need to be submitted per term.

The case-note, which is introduced only in Year 2, will be explained in detail in class over a specific methodology session.

Each of the compulsory practice assignments will lead to detailed written individual feedback as well as a full correction session in class.

Public Law (studied in Year 1) will be included in the syllabus for the final assessment. 