Undergraduate Module Descriptor

LAW2104: Changing the Law - Theory and Practice

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Aims

This module aims to provide you with:

  • a good working knowledge of the key aspects of statutory law reform—how decisions are taken by the Executive, the role of the Law Commissions and the Parliamentary process;  
  • insights into the way law may be shaped through the lobbying power of commercial interests and others;
  • an understanding of the role of the judiciary and the willingness or reluctance of individual judges to intervene where law is perceived as unsatisfactory;
  • an awareness of international influences on the formation of our law.

The module will enable you to:

  • assess critically the law reform process, identifying its strengths and weaknesses,
  • identify the hidden pressure exerted by commercial and other interests,
  • evaluate the effectiveness of the law reform process, using case studies,
  • understand how law reform might in given circumstances best be achieved.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Explain and evaluate the main legal institutions and procedures relevant to law reform.
2. Identify, explain and discuss key issues in law reform and to apply relevant rules and theories.
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of legal concepts, values, principles, institutions and procedures, and the ability to explain the relationships among them.
4. Select and present in a coherent way, orally and in writing, relevant law and legal/theoretical arguments.
Personal and Key Skills5. Manage relevant learning resources/ information/ learning strategies and to develop own arguments and opinions with some guidance.
6. Work independently and to manage time efficiently in preparing for scheduled learning activities, exercises and assessments.