Undergraduate Module Descriptor

LAW2104: Changing the Law - Theory and Practice

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

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics, utilising case studies where appropriate:

  • Who makes law, the constraints and challenges, the divide between political and technocratic cultures.
  • The international dimension.
  • Acts of Parliament—the respective roles of departments and Parliament.
  • When Parliament fails to act.
  • How important is law-making to MPs, compared with all the other things they do? How can Parliamentary scrutiny be improved?
  • The role of Parliamentary Counsel—reconciling political pressures with the technicalities of drafting. Are some clauses simply declaratory, with no technical content?
  • Judges—to what extent can and should they engage in law reform?
  • The Law Commissions—why are some reports implemented and others not?
  • Delegated legislation.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
29.5120.50

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching2211 x 2 hour Lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching7.55 x 1.5 hour Workshops
Guided Independent study52.5Individual reading and lecture preparation
Guided Independent study18Workshop preparation
Guided Independent study40Assessment preparation
Guided Independent study10Formative assessment

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).