Law LLB (Hons)

This module builds upon all your previous work and skills development by giving you the opportunity to pursue a research study of a law related topic of your choice. An academic tutor will support you as you carry out an independent investigation in your chosen area. At the end of the module you will have learnt to produce a coherent piece of extended legal writing.

On this module you will explore the main principles of the modern law of trusts. You will also consider the controversies and difficulties people encounter in this area of law. You will research aspects of trusts law, and explore the competing tensions and policy considerations in this area. You will also consider your positioning in relation to the controversial aspects of this field. We will think about trusts law in its broader European and international contexts. As you examine the limitations of the law, you will also identify potential areas of reform.

On this module you will gain an understanding of the law of succession, and the practice of wills and probate. You will develop your skills in research, analysis and legal reasoning in this specific field. We will consider how competing tensions and policy considerations shape the law and regulations in this area. Topics we will cover include:

• Intestacy 
• Formalities
• Taxation issues
• Will drafting
• Administering the estate and inheritance
• Powers of Attorney, Living Wills and post death arrangements

This module has two aims. In the first instance, you will reflect on the standards and ethical conduct that are expected of legal professionals. The second element of the module gives you the opportunity to develop and refine legal skills such as advocacy and negotiation. You will study:

• The lawyer-client relationship
• Confidentiality and conflicts of interest
• Equality and justice
• Litigation
• Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
• Writing and drafting

On this module you will examine in detail the role of research in law. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the main theories and methodologies in social science research. You will also learn to form a critical appreciation of how research can assist us in evaluating, analysing and understanding core aspects of law and legal institutions. You will design and undertake independent research, which will help you develop the skills needed for further study or work in legal and social research roles.

On this module you will consider some of the major theories surrounding gender and sexuality. You will use an interactive case study approach in workshops. This will actively involve you in legal research, critique and analysis of important issues in this field. You will examine the law’s efficacy in providing social justice, challenge traditional legal reasoning, and develop coherent, evidenced arguments and ethical standpoints.

This module will give you an understanding of the law of evidence, the substantive law, and how to present evidence in criminal and civil proceedings in England and Wales. You will evaluate and apply the theories and principles of evidence and analyse these rules in a wider social, political and economic context. We will explore national law in its European and international contexts, including the impact of human rights considerations. 

On this module we will consider the legal responses to terrorism both nationally and internationally. You will examine law and policy alongside the social and political discussions surrounding terrorism. You will take a critical and analytical approach, identifying the ethical and moral problems raised by counter-terrorism measures and laws in a democratic state. By the end of the module you should be able to confidently debate the philosophical, social and cultural problems surrounding the law of terrorism and its limitations.

On this module you will develop your understanding of civil law in an area that is important to the most vulnerable in society. We will encourage you to critically consider the law in its historical, political, economic and social contexts, and assess its utility from the perspectives of social justice and fairness. You will use your skills to undertake independent research and identify both disparities in law and practice, and gaps in the law.

On this module you will study the substantive law and procedures that regulate domestic relationships in England and Wales. You will use your legal research skills to interrogate primary and secondary sources, apply your knowledge to problems, and build coherent, logical arguments. You will also develop an appreciation of the different social and political influences on the evolution of the law in this area. As part of this module you will study:

• Family law
• The family justice system
• Marriage and divorce
• Cohabitation
• Domestic violence
• Legal parentage

Jurisprudence is the philosophy of the law. It is intimately related to all the other areas you will have studied on the course, but while other modules focus on what the law is, jurisprudence asks why the law is. On this module you will consider the ontological (philosophical study of being) basis of law, its rationale and the meaning of core concepts such as justice and equality. You will immerse yourself in the work of a range of theorists and writers who have grappled with law’s legitimacy, and attempted to ascertain its limits.

Some of the topics you will explore on this module are:

• Natural law
• Positivism
• Law’s legitimacy
• Legal realism and justice
• Feminism

On this module you will examine the historical and contemporary recognition of, and regulation of, race and religion in UK law.

This module will use a case study approach to examine the interaction of regulation, race and religion in various contexts. You will engage in independent legal research, critique and analysis of cutting edge issues in this field.

On this module you will explore:

• Race, religion and the law
• Key concepts and a range of critical perspectives including postcolonial, feminist, and critical race theory
• A range of case studies, examining a selection of the most contemporary issues in this field at the time of delivery

International criminal law is a fascinating contemporary area of study in the field of public international law. This module will help you to develop your understanding of criminal and public law in their international contexts. You will use an interactive case study approach in the workshops, actively involving you in legal research (using primary and secondary sources), critique and analysis in this emerging area of law.

On this module you will explore:

• The theory and practice of international criminal law
• Institutions of international criminal law
• Procedure and evidence
• Victim participation and witness protection
• War crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression

On this module you will investigate aspects of the law relating to intellectual property. Intellectual property refers to intellectual, business and creative efforts, such as literary works and inventions. Fundamental principles of intellectual property will be considered in broader political, geographical, economic and social contexts. You will have the opportunity not only to consider the rationale and theory of regulation, but also the practical implementation (and inherent problems) in this area.

On this module you will explore:

• Rationales for intellectual property rights and the nature of intellectual property
• The European and international context
• The evolution of the law pertaining to breach of confidentiality and privacy
• Patent law
• Copyright law and trademarks
• Database rights

Recent estimates suggest that cybercrime is the most prevalent form of criminal behaviour in the UK today. On this module you will research and analyse how crime is developing and evolving in contemporary society. We will encourage you to think about the future directions, and potential reforms, to law and policy in this field, both nationally and internationally. Topics you will study include:

• Defining cybercrime
• The European and international context
• Crimes against the machine
• Property crimes
• Hate, harm and trolling
• Sexualised content and images

On this module you will gain an appreciation of the main principles of modern company law. You will develop a solid grounding in the core legal principles relating to the management of limited companies in England and Wales, as well as an understanding of the beliefs and values that underpin this area of law. You will learn to recognise and critique current debates in company law. On this module you will explore:

• The historical development of company law
• European and international influences and issues
• Duties of Directors, including enforcement and disqualification
• Memorandum and articles
• Company records, company shares and debentures
• Financial assistance, insolvency, shareholder remedies

On this module you will examine relevant legal concepts, principles and regulations in this controversial area of law. We will focus on social justice, and you will discuss contemporary legal principles in their broader historical, political and economic contexts. You will immerse yourself in relevant policy, case law and academic theory, as you develop an appreciation of the multiple influences on this complex and challenging area of law. We will consider topics such as:

• Sources of immigration law
• The evolution of UK immigration, nationality and asylum law
• Family, marriage and immigration
• Asylum, refugees and exceptional leave to stay
• The impact of UK, European and international human rights law
• Enforcement, expulsion and remedies

On this module you will develop your knowledge of Land Law, Contract Law, and Tort by further examining interests in land and the transfer of land in practical business and residential contexts. You will consider different scenarios and identify relevant legal issues. You will then apply your knowledge to solve these problems. This will help you to recognise the uncertainties of law in this area, and make appropriate suggestions for reform. On this module you will explore:

• Proving ownership of land
• Dealing with disputes concerning ownership of land
• Dealing with disputes concerning land
• Conveyancing

This module will help develop your understanding of the law that governs business, commerce and consumer transactions and relationships. You will learn about the main principles of commercial law and evaluate it with reference to wider principles, ideas and values. You will develop a sound understanding of critical aspects of commercial law, with a focus on practical problem solving and the application of your knowledge to different scenarios. 

On this module you will explore:

• Sale and supply of goods and relevant statutory framework(s)
• International and transnational issues in commercial law
• Consumer protection and insurance
• Agency
• Partnership
• Ethical considerations in commercial law practice

This module will develop your knowledge of the substantive law by looking at the criminal process from arrest through to disposition. You will learn about the main principles in this area and evaluate them. You will also develop your skills in research and critical analysis in this specific field. You will gain practical insight and knowledge of the workings of the criminal law. On this module you will explore:

• The criminal justice system and procedure
• Police powers and at the police station
• Juvenile justice
• Magistrate and Crown Court
• Sentencing and appeals
• Human rights issues and ethical considerations in criminal law and practice

The Law Clinic is a clinical legal educational experience, where you will offer pro bono (without charge) legal advice and assistance to small businesses and members of the public under the supervision of teaching staff. This module is a great opportunity to develop transferable professional skills. You will gain a rich experience to add to your CV, and it will give you confidence in the competency based interviews used by many employers.

The Law Clinic is a clinical legal educational experience, where you will offer pro bono (without charge) legal advice and assistance to small businesses and members of the public under the supervision of teaching staff. This module is a great opportunity to develop transferable professional skills. You will gain a rich experience to add to your CV, and it will give you confidence in the competency based interviews used by many employers.