Criminal Law

Criminal Law is a core subject for the Qualifying Law Degree. Criminal Law identifies and analyses the circumstances in which individuals can be prosecuted and sanctioned for behaviour that is considered harmful to society, as well as circumstances in which these persons can plead particular defences that either excuse this criminal responsibility, or reduce it.

This unit provides you with an overview of the criminal process in England and Wales, the sources of criminal law, and provides you with a detailed understanding of the component elements of different crimes and the rules or principles that govern criminal liability of individuals and corporate entities. Throughout the unit, you will be exploring what forms of behaviour are to be determined as criminal, i.e. conduct that is subject to prosecution and sanction by the law, and the reasons for the legislature or criminal courts labelling this form of behaviour as “criminal.” These areas of inquiry are relevant as they allow you to understand the underpinning principles, core norms and social function of the criminal law, and to further situate this subject-specific knowledge into the wider social context by critically evaluating the wider influences shaping and developing the criminal law including the role of the legislature, judges and judicial policy. The unit maintains social currency as it enables you to gain practical insight into issues that relate the different areas of inquiry on this course to wider social concerns for maintenance of a rule of law that is fair to all who come before Criminal Courts.

Public Law

Public Law is a core subject for the Qualifying Law Degree. It has considerable relevance to you as a law student and beyond. For example, Public Law regulates the state’s powers to make, amend and repeal law, its power to implement the law, and its power to enforce the law. Public Law issues pervade many areas of our lives, including local authority planning, law regulating universities and schools, welfare benefits, running of public services and human rights to name a few. A weekly perusal of the media (a feature of the unit) will reveal that Public Law issues are constantly being confronted and continually developing our law.

The unit aims to introduce you to the core knowledge necessary to understand the foundations of Public Law at the theoretical level and bring that into today’s context. To this end, during the unit, you will have the opportunity to reflect upon historical, philosophical and political developments. From this basic foundational platform, the unit will shift to the application of key Public Law principles within the UK. The practical application will cover constitutional and administrative dimensions of Public Law as well as the manner in which Public Law interrelates with other aspects of law. The unit will also show how membership of the European Union and the Council of Europe impacts on Public Law.

This unit will provide opportunities for you to both explore and engage with the topic and develop a number of skills relevant to your future employability in either the legal profession or in other graduate level professions. These include an awareness of current affairs (political/legal/social/commercial), selection and management of resources, group cooperation and team working, and oral presentation skills.

Contract Law

We enter into agreements with other parties - individuals, businesses and other organisations - on a daily basis. Contract law is the basis of many other legal subjects and, although those subjects have developed specific rules, the law of contract nevertheless provides a background for them. It is therefore imperative for any Law student to understand not only how contracts are formed and regulated, but also the legal issues that may arise when contractual relationships break down and the remedies available to a claimant for breach of contract.

Through this unit, you will explore the underlying principles of contract law and the manner in which those principles operate to protect both businesses and consumers. You will learn how to apply abstract legal concepts to practical situations and how to research and analyse primary legal sources, case law and academic writing.

Contract law is a core subject required for the Qualifying Law Degree. 

English Legal System

This unit aims to:

1.       Provide students with a solid understanding of the working of the English Legal System, the concepts of statutory interpretation and judicial precedent and the roles of those who play a part in the legal system.

2.       Provide students with the ability to use primary and secondary legal sources, including some electronic retrieval systems.

3.       Provide students with the ability to evaluate the law whilst developing their skills of legal research, oral and written communication, group work, statistical analysis, reflective learning and study skills. 

4.       Students should also acquire a willingness to accept responsibility for their own learning and enable them to learn independently using their initiative and self-discipline.

Academic And Legal Skills

This unit aims to help students to develop: 

• Academic skills, including in particular the ability to process information from a range of sources and to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing;
• Professional legal skills, including the ability to find and use appropriate legal sources, to identify, read and re-present legal cases; and prepare and apply legal materials within a variety of professional and specific legal contexts;
  digital skills, in particular those required in the legal sector;
• Professional awareness and the ability to reflect on their own practice and skills and identify strengths as well as areas for improvement. 

Land Law

Land law is a core subject for a Qualifying Law Degree. The key themes running through this unit involve an exploration of the nature of property and ownership and the range of rights which might exist in relation to land, how such rights are created and transferred and the impact these rights have upon third parties.

On this unit you will examine the concept of land, fixtures and fittings and things lost and found. There will be an introduction to Equity’s pervasive influence and the concept of the Trust. There will then follow a detailed examination of registered and unregistered land. The key theme here will be to establish if the current system of landholding gives effect to the traditional policy impetus of enabling the free alienability of land, or if this is hindered, the extent to which such obstacles are justified on grounds of protection of entrenched rights.

The unit will explore how Land Law is concerned not only with the physical but also the invisible but valuable rights which one person can enjoy over land which “belongs” to another. This will lead you to examine how these invisible rights such as easements, covenants, leases and mortgages are created and enforced.  You will explore how the law has sought to strike a balance between the interests of the “owners” of these rights and the interests of the land which bears the burden of these interests.  Finally, you will undertake a study of adverse possession both to establish how land might be acquired in this way, but also as an example of the historical nature of land law and that the very fundamentals of the subject appear to be undergoing a seismic change after the Land Registration Act 2002. The new system of adverse possession will be examined as an indicator of a change from possession to ownership and a fundamental change in the building blocks of this area of law. Thus you will gain an understanding of the key legal areas of land law and the technical requirements in these areas. In addition, the unit will explore the subject as a subject that is seeking to escape the shackles of its history and hence a broader understanding of the nature of legal change and the reasons for it will be presented as of central importance to this unit.

Law Of Tort

This unit is a core unit essential for a Qualifying Law Degree and aims to acquaint you with a broad critical knowledge of the nature and role of the Law of Tort and a consideration of those rights that Tort protects.

The Law of Tort is highly relevant to you, whether simply as a member of society (understanding your civil rights and liabilities) or as a solicitor or barrister specialising in personal injury and/or other civil law matters. The Law of Tort provides a remedy for social wrongs setting minimum standards of social conduct and protects your personal security, physical health, finances, reputation, land and property from unjust injury or interference by others.

Tort is a word derived from the Latin word “Tortus” which literally means twisted but came to refer to civil wrongs, as distinct from criminal wrongs. Hence, Tort includes claims arising in Negligence, Nuisance, Trespass, and Defamation to name a few. Winfield and Jolowicz on Tort state that “Tortious liability arises from a breach of a duty primarily fixed by law; this duty is towards persons generally and its breach is redressible by an action for unliquidated damages”. 

You will be engaged with common law principles and will develop skills in critically analysing and evaluating case law and some statutes e.g. the Occupier’s Liability Acts 1957 and 1984.  You will also explore your understanding of the role of Tort in its societal context in shifting the burden of losses from the victim to the tortfeasor or through insurance to the wider society and through a consideration of the public policy issues underpinning case law.  The impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 in freeing the courts from the historical common law restrictions on developing the protection of interests will be integral to this study.

Commercial Law

Commercial law has real relevance to the world of business. It raises awareness of the approach of the law to commercial transactions and examines rights and obligations in a commercial context.

While you may be aware of the protection given to consumers when they enter into a contract, very different rules apply to a business, whether it is a company or partnership or sole trader. Commercial transactions need to be certain, and so certainty is favoured by commercial law over the concept of fairness, which statute law dictates should apply in consumer contracts. Moreover, the courts are more willing to uphold the intention of the parties in a commercial contract. This is because in general the parties to a business contract have more equal bargaining power than the parties to a consumer contract.

In a business context, the courts are likely to uphold exclusion and limitation of liability clauses, as these reflect the ability of the parties to take out insurance. By way of contrast, exclusion clauses and limitation of liability clauses with consumers are often not enforceable. This is particularly so for terms excluding the statutory implied terms. The rationale for this is that consumers should be entitled to a minimum standard.

This unit builds upon the skills and information obtained in other units, particularly Contract Law. As well as developing existing expertise and knowledge, it gives you an opportunity to acquire expertise in new specialist areas. This expertise should be useful to you in the real world of work. You will identify and understand the various principles contained in historic legislation such as the Sale of Goods Act 1979, the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 and more recently the Consumer Rights Act 2015. You will be able to apply the above principles to problems and reach realistic solutions. You will gain understanding of the law relating to commercial agreements. You will develop the ability to analyse and synthesis information from a number of primary and secondary sources, to appreciate their relative value and achieve knowledge and understanding of Commercial Law and related issues.

Employment Law

This unit is designed to provide students with an opportunity for the advanced study of the law governing the employment relationship and the regulation of working life.
In addition to gaining a detailed knowledge of the principles and norms of employment law, throughout the unit students will be encouraged to develop an understanding of the political, economic and social issues that have shaped the development of this area of law.

The influence of European law will be considered throughout the unit, which will also discuss and develop broader theoretical issues, such as the balance between regulating the employment relationship and leaving discretion to the contracting parties to exercise their own judgements in specific cases.

Public International Law

Public international law is traditionally defined as the legal system which regulates the relationships between and among States. Modern international law has, however, moved beyond that initial narrow role and now fulfils a variety of functions and regulates an almost endless range of issues. Examples of the areas covered by public international law include the traditional realm of diplomatic and consular relations, the maintenance of international peace and security, the regulation of international trade, international communications and transport, international criminal justice and protection of human rights. Public international law also sets international standards on the protection of the environment, rules concerning the sea and outer space and the exploitation of natural resources. 

The unit aims to provide you with a solid grounding in the key concepts, fundamental principles and mechanisms of public international law, and its practical relevance in an increasingly globalised world.

This unit gives you an opportunity to study law in a global, transnational context and obtain a better understanding of the complexities of modern international relations. This opens up a broad range of opportunities for a successful career as an international lawyer or other professional working in this increasingly popular and significant area of legal practice.

Probate And Wills

The administration of a deceased person’s estate and the potential beneficiaries has relevance to everyone in society. The law in England and Wales enables people to bequeath their property with or without making a will. There are many advantages of making a will in that the testator can make proper provision for the beneficiaries of choice, trusts can be created to deal with the specific needs of the beneficiaries and wishes of the testator and substantial tax savings can be made. Such actions are denied if the deceased person fails to make a will. Where there is no will the intestacy rules will be strictly applied which may lead to the people who are closest to the testator inheriting nothing.

However, probate and wills is a highly technical area of law where mistakes can lead to disinheritance, invalid wills, poorly drafted trust clauses and, protracted legal actions and potential negligence claims. A properly drafted will can make considerable savings on potential inheritance tax liabilities and make proper provision for the various beneficiaries. Equally it is important that the estate of a deceased is administered correctly and effectively. In recent years there has been a considerable increase in claims against administrators and will drafters. This unit aims to critically cover the law relating to the administration of estates, will drafting, risk and negligence aspects.

You will be able to understand the legal rules and principles that make up this area of law and be able to apply it problems and draw conclusions. They will learn how to avoid the potential pitfalls of administration of estates and will drafting which can lead to negligence claims.

Immigration And Asylum Law

This unit provides an in-depth introduction to asylum and immigration law in the United Kingdom by exploring both the relevant UK legislation and the international and EU law standards which impact and inform the UK legal system.

Throughout the unit, you will explore the key legal concepts underpinning asylum and immigration law, and the historical, social and political context in which this particularly topical area of law operates. By locating UK asylum and immigration law in the broader context of global migration trends and the current refugee crisis, you will be able to appreciate the extra-legal factors and different perspectives which influence law and practice in the field. This will allow you to gain both a solid knowledge of the law and critical understanding of the flaws, gaps and challenges in the current system.

The Asylum and Immigration Law unit provides an excellent opportunity for those who are planning to pursue a career as a legal practitioner. Quite apart from the wealth of professional opportunities in the fields of immigration and asylum, issues of immigration law are relevant to a number of other legal areas, including Employment Law, Family Law, Criminal law and Constitutional Law. Therefore, a working understanding of the core concepts and norms of this area of law will be an asset for your future legal career. 

Civil Litigation And Advocacy

This unit will advance your knowledge and understanding of the English Legal System by exploring the procedures required for a civil litigation action. 

The Civil Litigation unit starts with addressing the position at the outset of the civil litigation process (e.g. compliance with the practice direction on pre-action conduct) and continues through to the practical issues that can arise at the end of a civil dispute (e.g. appeals and enforcement).

This unit will also offer you the opportunity to develop the practical skills necessary for a career in practice, namely: the ability to develop your skills of advocacy which are crucial for any legal professional. Elements of advocacy will be embedded within the topics we will cover on this unit. 

The knowledge gained on this unit grounds your understanding of the professional duties you may perform after you qualify as a barrister or solicitor. More immediately, it provides you with the necessary knowledge needed to fulfil the role of a paralegal (NALP).

Legal Practice

This unit aims to provide students with:

1. In-depth understanding of the principles of professional integrity, confidentiality and legal ethics which apply to law practitioners; 

2. The opportunity to develop their professional skills, ranging from the ability to conduct a conference with a client to the ability to reflect on one’s practice;

3. The opportunity to acquire direct experience in the responsibilities of the workplace at an appropriate level, including examination of professional behaviours;

4. Insights into the role of legal practitioners and the practice of law which will support their transition to qualification as a legal practitioner.

Equity And Trusts

This unit is core subject for a Qualifying Law Degree and aims to introduce you to the study of the nature and the function of the equitable jurisdiction with particular emphasis upon the nature, creation, purpose and enforcement of trusts.

In Land Law (Law001-2) you will have received a brief introduction to the nature of the equitable jurisdiction and the importance of distinguishing between legal and equitable rights. Here you will examine the origins of the equitable jurisdiction, how the jurisdiction differs from the common law system, and the historical and contemporary interaction between the two. You will gain an appreciation of the different guiding philosophy behind the equitable jurisdiction and hence will encounter a different mode of reasoning from the common law.

The key themes running through this unit are to explore the fundamental differences between common law and equity, the changing perspectives on these differences, the more flexible approach adopted by equity, and the need for any lawyer to understand the systemic totality of the outcome of the operation of both these systems of rules. To do this you will have to obtain a working knowledge of the technical language and concepts in this area. These key themes will be explored via practical and primary materials and a keen understanding that equity is a system which is constantly responding to societal change and the demands thereof.

International Human Rights Law

International human rights law (IHRL) is a specialist branch of public international law which is designed to promote and protect the fundamental rights and human dignity of all individuals, without discrimination. Although the initial aim of IHRL was to protect individuals against abuses by the State, in its contemporary form IHRL requires States to take action to protect individuals from abuses committed by private parties and to adopt positive measures aimed at ensuring the effective enjoyment of rights.

Through international action and incorporation in the domestic legal systems of States, international human rights standards inform almost every aspect of everyday life. IHRL is relevant to an ever-increasing range of situations, spacing from the protection of life during law-enforcement operations, to prevention of discrimination, the right to family life, education, working conditions, freedom of expression and religious manifestation.

The IHRL unit covers all of these aspects, with the aim of equipping you with a solid working knowledge of the fundamental principles and mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights.

The unit is divided into two parts: Part I addresses the theoretical debate on the nature of human rights, the historical development of IHRL and the institutional framework for the protection of human rights at the global and at the regional level. Part II examines in detail some of the most important human rights and their application in practice. We will not cover all of the fundamental rights which are guaranteed by international human rights law; rather, we will analyse in-depth selected rights and freedoms which illustrate theories, principles, law and practice.

The unit will provide you with a solid grounding in the key principles and norms of IHRL. In addition, by developing your knowledge of the practical application of the international legal protections for fundamental rights and freedoms, the unit aims to enable you to make full use, in your future career, of the potential of IHRL in litigation and advocacy, both at the domestic and the international level.

Aviation Law

Aviation law is a highly specialist subject but it is an expanding area of law in the commercial world and can no longer be considered to be the preserve of niche firms.  It is, therefore, an excellent example of what you could be dealing with when you qualify as a solicitor or barrister or do other commercial work. This unit aims to examine national and international law in the context of commercial civil aviation related operations and builds upon your existing legal studies.

The unit will examine a number of current issues but will focus in particular on criminal law in aviation, carrier liability in the event of accident and passenger rights under EC261/2004 the “Denied Boarding Regulations”.  These matters are not just of importance to the legal professional but have direct relevance to anyone who enjoys international and national travel by air. They are highly topical issues, the subject of frequent litigation and in the case of e.g. EC261, are evolving on a daily basis. The unit also involves an examination of the Air Navigation Order and SERA.  The assessment will develop your ability to adopt an independent learning approach to your learning by requiring that you complete a mini project on an aviation law related topic.

This unit brings together many aspects of law and demonstrates that legal problems are not simply confined to one area of law but may involve a consideration of several diverse areas of law.  In this sense, it aims to illustrate that law should not be compartmentalised but viewed as a whole by you, as you prepare to move on to professional studies or into to the world of work.  This unit enables you to identify and understand the governmental and international framework regulating aviation and to critically analyse control of aviation activities and methods of enforcement with particular reference to the criminal process and aviation safety. It will also enable you to confidently handle, analyse, synthesise and apply the operation of legal principles in aviation law and to develop the research, comprehension, writing and critical evaluation skills necessary for its academic study.

Dissertation

Independent study and learning and the ability to provide informed critical analysis of complex practical issues are essential requirements for a Law graduate.

The dissertation unit offers you the opportunity to independently identify a current issue of public interest which you feel is deserving of in-depth legal analysis and to produce a substantial piece of legal writing which critically analyses and discusses that topic.

In order to produce a sound piece of legal research on your chosen topic, you will be required to analyse, synthesise and evaluate different primary sources, such as statutes, treaties, regulations, as well as to engage with relevant policy documents and academic literature.

The precise title of the dissertation will be negotiated between you and your supervisor, who will advise and guide you through the planning stage and throughout the various stages to completion of the final thesis.

Company Law

Company Law is relevant to you as future legal practitioner specialising in commercial and business matters, or simply if you have an interest in general business matters.

The unit aims to provide you with an understanding of the nature and functions of a company in running a business, and of the legal framework which regulates companies. The need to inform those who run a business is seen as essential. In particular, corporate personality and liability will be emphasised. The liability of those who promote the creation of the company will be examined in order to appreciate the true significance of the company as a legal entity.  The steps involved in its creation will be examined in some depth.  The growth of civil and criminal liability imposed upon its directors will be examined and the rationale for liability analysed.  The role of the Criminal Justice Act 1993 and its attempt to consider insider dealing will be assessed. The impact of the Companies Act 2006 will also play an important role in this unit along with the Enterprise Act 2002.

The director’s managerial role will be examined along with the concept of ‘thinking small’ and stakeholder relations in society.  Along with the need for companies to grow, this is crucial to understanding the modern company format and its role as a part of society. Should its business fail the impact of compulsory and voluntary liquidation will be examined including the role of the insolvency practitioner.

Medical Law And Ethics

Medical Law, much like any other type of law, is evolving law. Not only are there challenges faced by medical and healthcare practitioners in an increasingly complex and litigious environment but patient expectations are also rising.

With the wealth of information now available to patients, particularly through the internet, on alternative therapies and treatments etc. patients are no longer simply accepting medical or healthcare practitioners’ advice at face value. Patients are now more confident and able in challenging decisions with which they are not in agreement.

This unit will cover topical issues such as assisted reproduction, abortion and organ transplant or donation etc. These are very real and complex issues which stem from a changing and evolving multicultural society. The financial limitations and the scope of the NHS also impact on this and will be looked into in detail during the unit.
This unit will also look into and analyse the ethics of medical law, the theories, criticisms and its application into practice.

Intellectual Property Law

Information is an increasingly important source of commercial value within the modern economy, particularly for the entertainment and media sectors and science-based industries. Intellectual Property Law (IP Law) is concerned with the rules which determine when and how information produced either by an individual or a corporation can be protected against infringement by others who may wish to make use of this information and ideas for their own purposes.

This unit provides students with an overview of the intellectual property law of England and Wales but will also include comparative study of IP law in other jurisdictions. Students will be introduced to the concept of intangible property and the nature of intellectual property rights and obligations before considering issues surrounding the exploitation of intellectual property and the availability of remedies for the infringement of intellectual properties.

The unit will introduce the social, political and most importantly the economic dimensions and their influence on the development of IP rights. In this respect, there is the international dimension of the internet and its impact on protection of rights. The fast-changing nature of the topic will introduce students to contemporary legal issues and academic debates concerning the direction of IP rights and whether the current protections can be described as ‘fit for purpose’, i.e. internet and multimedia infringement of existing copyright law.

Family And Child Law

The unit focuses on the legal framework regulating adult relationships and that regulating children's life situations in the context of family, state and society.

In the first part of the unit, you will explore the law and practice relating to formal and informal adult relationships, family property and division of property following the divorce or dissolution of civil partnership, as well as legal issues relating to domestic violence. The second part of the unit covers the law and practice relating to, inter alia, the relationship between parents and children, parental responsibility, children rights, child protection, adoption. In this context, particular attention will be devoted to the UN Convention on the Right of the Child and the way in which the obligations arising from the Convention have been incorporated in the UK legal system.

This unit provides you with the necessary knowledge of Family Law needed to fulfil the role of a paralegal (NALP).

Criminal Litigation And Evidence

Criminal litigation refers to the process through which individuals are brought to trial and present their defence. It is underpinned by a series of procedural rules. These rules guide how evidence is gathered by the police during the investigation stage and how the court process regulates the admissibility of this evidence to ensure that individuals have a fair trial.

The litigation process also addresses the rights of both the prosecution and defence to appeal decisions at trial with a view to reviewing whether the processes aimed at securing a fair trial have been followed.

This unit examines the procedures through which an individual is prosecuted and defended at a criminal trial and questions how this person’s right to a fair trial or, in other words, due process is guaranteed. This examination is undertaken in two parts. Firstly, you are given core teaching on the criminal process from arrest to appeals and secondly you are given core teaching on the rules of evidence so as to determine when evidence is fairly admissible against a defendant and when it ought to be excluded in the interests of supporting due process. Thus each stage of the litigation process, particularly the ways in which evidence is admitted at trial are analysed with a view to determining whether they complied with fair trial guarantees stipulated in modern criminal law.

You apply these core principles in a practice based or real life context through simulated moots and written presentation of appeals against conviction and sentence in the workshops. This helps you analyse the application of the legal principles you are taught, prepare a coherent argument in support of the individual you are asked to represent and present it clearly both in writing and orally. By using this method of analysis and presentation you are able to situate the core teaching within its practical context, so you can identify legal issues that arise in the course of the trial and resolve them by applying and analysing the relevant legal principles to a variety of factual based problem scenarios.

Conveyancing

This unit aims to provide a clear, succinct and practical introduction to Conveyancing Law and practice.  The unit will examine the procedures involved in validly creating and transferring ownership of interests in land. 

In accordance with the Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989 all contracts for the sale of land must be made in writing.  In addition to preparation of the deeds (or other documents as appropriate) by which the transaction is effected, there are a number of investigations required in the sale and purchase of residential property.  For example, the purchaser's solicitor will seek assurances from the vendor's solicitor re: boundary disputes, compliance with planning authority requirements, liability for maintenance of shared facilities.  He/she will also seek an official search of the local land charges register to ensure there are no undisclosed local or environmental charges and tree preservation orders that could bind the purchaser.  The local authority will also be asked about any plans to build new roads near the property.  A commons registration search will be conducted.  If the purchaser is raising a mortgage loan his solicitor will have to check that the funds will be available at the appropriate time. 

The purchaser's solicitor may wish to negotiate changes to the draft contract prepared by the vendor's solicitor to cover points arising from the earlier searches and inquiries e.g. to clear a local land charge before the transaction is completed.  An epitome (or abstract of title) will have to be prepared by the vendor's solicitor and examined by the purchaser's solicitor to ensure that the vendor's title is proved in accordance with the contract.

Final checks on the vendor's title will require the purchaser's solicitor to seek an official search in the Land Charges Department for unregistered land or HM Land Registry for registered land.  Requisitions on title will be raised requiring the vendor to clear any defects or adverse interests revealed by the abstract or search.  The purchaser's solicitor will prepare the deed of conveyance, transfer or assignment by which the property is to be conveyed to his client.  He/she will also arrange with the relevant parties for funds to be available on the date of completion and that deeds will be executed by completion time.  On completion the purchaser's solicitor will check the vendor's original title against the epitome or abstract of title, hand over the price and the purchase is completed.  The transfer deed is then presented to the Inland Revenue and stamp duty paid.  Registration at the Land Registry within the priority period must occur on completion.

A cursory examination of some of these issues will clearly indicate that Conveyancing involves an intricate process requiring meticulous attention to detail and a systematic approach to all relevant matters.  This unit will provide an introduction to some of the key issues in the Conveyancing process.

Eu Law

Over the last fifty years, EU Law has come to affect almost every facet of daily life in Britain. Even after the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union, legislation which is directly derived from the EU project will continue to regulate many - if not most - aspects of modern life in the UK. In addition, even after Brexit, the UK will continue to have in the European Union one of its most important commercial and political partners. Indeed, the study of EU Law is more important than ever for future lawyers who will have to deal with the legal issues raised, on the one hand, by the UK's withdrawal from the European Union and, on the other, by the need to re-create political, commercial, and legal relationships with the EU as a third State.
 
This unit aims to provide you with a solid understanding of the law and politics of the EU and of its role within the international community, either vis-à-vis other international organisations, or vis-à-vis third countries (e.g. the UK). The unit will explore the institutional structures of the European Union, its law-making processes and its substantive law, including the so-called "four freedoms" and the concept of European citizenship. In addition, it will provide an overview of the jurisdictional protection under EU law and the protection of fundamental rights within the European Union.