When Taught: Semester 1 (September - December)
Timetable: Lectures Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 11am. Four tutorials.
Requirements of entry: None.
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: Principles of Private Law
Assessment: Essay (25%); examination (75%).
Degree Examination taken in: December
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: To introduce students to the main sources of law in Scotland; To provide a firm grounding in the structure and content of the law of obligations and to provide an overview of the law of intellectual property and data protection; To explain and illustrate, through a programme of lectures, tutorials and directed reading, the basic principles and concepts of the law in these areas; To examine the law in these areas in sufficient detail to meet the requirements for BAcc professional exemption; To enhance students’ problem-solving skills through the identification of legal issues in complex problems, the application of relevant legal rules, and achievement of resolutions to the problems set; To offer guidance in the framing and presentation of written legal argument; To highlight areas where the principles are subject to doubt or disagreement, and to encourage independent thought.
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Andrew Godfrey
When Taught: Semester 1 (September - December)
Timetable: One hour lectures Tuesday and Thursday at 1000. Five one hour fortnightly tutorials
Requirements of entry: This course is only open to students on the LLB and BAL degrees
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: Essay (20%); examination (80%).
Degree Examination taken in: December
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: The aims of the course are: To outline the principles of the criminal law and the law of evidence; To outline thebasic rules of the substantive criminal law; To allow the student to begin to develop an understanding of the interaction between rules of law and evidence in the proof of particular crimes; To develop a basic understanding of the context of the application of the rules of the criminal law.
Course Co-ordinator: Prof Lindsay Farmer
When Taught: Semester 2 (January - March)
Timetable: 1 lecture (60 minutes duration per week. 1 workshop (60 minutes duration per fortnight)
Requirements of entry: Admission to LLB degree
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: 3000 word coursework assignment
Aims: To provide a firm grounding in the structure and content of Family Law. To explain and illustrate, through a programme of lectures and workshops, the basic principles and concepts of Scots law in this area. To examine Family Law in sufficient detail to meet the requirements for professional exemption. To assist students in the interpretation and application of statutory materials. To enhance students’ problem-solving skills through the identification of legal issues in complex problems, the application of relevant legal rules, and achievement of resolutions to the problems set. To offer guidance in the framing and presentation of written legal argument. To highlight areas where the law is subject to doubt or disagreement, and to encourage independent thought. To assist students in the development of research methods and enhance their familiarity with different sources of law. To encourage critical analysis, and enhance essay-writing skills.
Course Co-ordinator: Miss Frances McCarthy
When Taught: Semester 2 (January - March)
Timetable: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - 11.00 am.
Requirements of entry: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: Assignment comprising one essay (25% of final assessment). Degree Examination comprising multiple choice and essay paper (75% of final assessment).
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: (1) To provide an introduction to forensic medicine and forensic science. Aspects of the law which particularly relate to legal proceedings involving these subjects are also included. (2) To introduce students with little or no previous experience of biology to the basics of human anatomy and physiology, dealing with the major body systems such as the heart and circulatory system and the reproductive system. (3) To review the main categories of injury and sudden, traumatic and non-accidental death, their causes and how they are investigated by the forensic pathologist and scientist. The work of the police surgeon and clinical forensic medical expert, for example, in cases of sexual assault are also covered. (4) To review legal aspects of medical practice such as deaths under medical care, certification of death and release of organs for transplantation. The role of the General Medical Council and problems of medical ethics are also covered. (5) To introduce the non-specialist to basic ideas of forensic science, forensic toxicology, forensic serology and haemogenetics (DNA analysis) and forensic psychiatry. (6) To show how this information is interpreted and presented in court.
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Robert Anderson
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: 1 hour lectures Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 0900. Fortnightly tutorials.
Requirements of entry: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: Business Law
Assessment: Course assessment is as outlined in the course documentation. Degree Examinations taken in: Semester 1 diet (Contract) and Semester 3 diet (Delict/Child and Family Law)
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: To provide a firm grounding in the structure and content of the law of obligations, family law and property law; To explain and illustrate, through a programme of lectures and tutorials, the basic principles and concepts of Scots law in these areas; To examine the law of obligations and family law in sufficient detail to meet the requirements for professional exemption; To suggest a classification of property law, family law and the law of obligations, in the latter area particularly through analysing the separate branches of contract, delict and unjustified enrichment; To enhance students’ problem-solving skills through the identification of legal issues in complex problems, the application of relevant legal rules, and achievement of resolutions to the problems set; To offer guidance in the framing and presentation of written and oral legal argument; To highlight areas where the principles are subject to doubt or disagreement, and to encourage independent thought; To assist students in the development of research methods and enhance their familiarity with different sources of law; To encourage critical analysis, and enhance essay-writing skills.
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Janeen Carruthers
When Taught: Semester 2 (January - March)
Timetable: Three one hour lectures per week - Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 1000 Tutorials: 4 x one hour
Requirements of entry: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: 315B Public International Law
Assessment: Assessed Essay (20%) 600 - 800 words Degree Exam: 3 x hour exam (80%); 3 out of 6 questions
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: The principal aim of this course is to provide an introductory overview of public international law, showing what international law is, what its principal divisions are, how it works and what its strengths and weaknesses are. It also aims to provide an understanding of the nature and sources of international law, introduce the elements of the main subject areas of international law, contemporary developments in the subject, and the principal areas of international conflict and the main actors on the international stage; and to foster an appreciation of the role played by international law in the settlement of international disputes. Finally, the course also aims to develop your critical reading and international law problem solving skills; to develop your basic communication skills through participation in tutorial debates; to introduce you to basic international legal research and IT skills using the Internet; and to familiarise you with the professional role and career choices of the international lawyer.
Course Co-ordinator: Mr Akbar Rasulov
When Taught: Semester 2 (January - March)
Timetable: Lectures: Monday and Tuesday in Semester 2 at 3.00 pm; Tutorials: 5 x one hour, Semester 2.
Requirements of entry: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None.
Assessment: 2 hour examination
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: The aims of the course are to provide an understanding of the main features of Roman law in the areas of property, contracts and delict and to appreciate the significance of Roman law as the basis for civilian legal systems. The aims of the course are to use the study of elementary Roman law to enable you to understand legal relationships; appreciate the roots of Scots and civilian legal systems; and enjoy knowing something of another culture.
Course Co-ordinator: Prof E Metzger
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: Weekly two hour tutorials over Semesters One and Two Ten lectures in Semesters One and Two.
Requirements of entry: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: There will be three summative assessments: (1) A group exercise requiring analysis of a complex legal problem (3000 words) (25%) (2) An exercise designed to test grasp of legal method requiring analysis of cases and of statutory materials (2000 words) (25%) (3) A three hour end of course examination comprising a mixture of problem and essay questions (50%). Apart from the examination, these assessments will also perform a formative and diagnostic function, as will tutorial exercises. In addition, however, there will be three purely formative methods of assessment: (1) Self-assessment of oral presentations and group tutorial exercises; (2) A computer-based assessment of factual knowledge of the legal system; (3) A 1000 word discursive essay based on the oral presentation. Candidates whose average mark for the four summative assessments is a grade D or better, and who have no element marked at grade G or below, will pass the course. Candidates whose average mark is a grade D or better, but who have one or more elements marked at grade G or below, will fail the course. They will be required to resit the elements marked at G or below and will pass the course if they achieve at least a grade F in those elements at the second attempt. Candidates whose average mark is lower than a grade D will fail the course. They will, however, only be required to resit the individual elements in which they have received a fail grade and will pass the course if their average mark for the four assessments after the resit diet is a grade D or better and they have no element marked below a grade F.
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: To introduce students to, and enable them to understand, the nature of law, of legal systems and of the Scottish legal system in the contemporary world context; To enable students to acquire a foundational knowledge and understanding of the sources of Scots law and the institutions of government from the local government level to that of the European Union; To enable students to research primary and secondary legal sources and to present arguments based on them; To encourage students to work effectively both individually and in groups.
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Gavin Anderson
When Taught: Semester 2 (January - March)
Timetable: 2 two hour lectures per week - times to be arranged.
Requirements of entry: Normally credit in Principles of Private Law 8QJU Principles of Private Law
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: 1JXB Business Law 9GQV Commercial Law (20 credit course) 9NTV Commercial Law for Business
Assessment: Examination 100%
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: The aim of the course is to enable students to acquire an understanding of the legal framework for business organisations and corporation tax. The course is structured so as to meet the relevant professional requirements of the Law Society of Scotland.
Course Co-ordinator: Prof Iain MacNeil
When Taught: Semester 2 (January - March)
Timetable: Two one hour lectures per week - times to be arranged
Requirements of entry: Normally credit in Principles of Private Law (8QJU)
Excluded Courses: 1JXB Business Law 9GQV Commercial Law (20 credit course) 9NTV Commercial Law for Business
Assessment: Examination 100%
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: The course will: - introduce students to modern substantive Commercial Law; - reveal how underlying socio-political and economic factors, as well as wider business culture shape the development of Commercial Law in relation to discrete areas such as the Sale of Goods, Insurance, Consumer Credit and Personal Insolvency, etc.; - satisfy the requirements of the Law Society of Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates; - encourage in students an interest and critical awareness in the development of UK and international Commercial Law.
Course Co-ordinator: Mr Martin Doris
When Taught: Semester 2 (January - March)
Timetable: 1 hour Lectures Tuesday at 1400; Thursday at 1200 and Friday at 1200. Five tutorials.
Requirements of entry: Attendance in Business Law 1 is normally required, except, in particular, for visiting Law students.
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: Commercial Law
Assessment: 1500 word Problem essay - 25%, in week 7 of Semester 2 2 hour Final exam - 75%, end of second semester. Format of Degree Exam: Three questions will have to be answered in a paper containing five questions featuring a mixture of problems and essay-type questions.
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: To provide a firm grounding in the structure and content of the law of partnership, agency, company law and trusts and to provide an overview of the law governing liquidation, company administration and personal sequestration; To explain and illustrate, through a programme of lectures, tutorials and directed reading, the basic principles and concepts of the law in these areas; To examine the law in these areas in sufficient detail to meet the requirements for BAcc professional exemption; To enhance students’ problem-solving skills through the identification of legal issues in complex problems, the application of relevant legal rules, and achievement of resolutions to the problems set; To offer guidance in the framing and presentation of written legal argument; To highlight areas where the principles are subject to doubt or disagreement, and to encourage independent thought; To encourage critical analysis, and enhance essay-writing skills.
Course Co-ordinator: Mr Martin Doris
When Taught: Semester 2 (January - March)
Timetable: To be confirmed
Requirements of entry: Normally, the award of credit for Sources and Institutions of Scots Law (8RBU) or equivalent courses taken in other institutions.
Co-requisites: Normally, attendance at Law and Government or equivalent courses taken previously in other institutions.
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: There will be one piece of summative assessment; a two hour exam in the summer diet in which students have to answer two questions, one problem and one essay. The essay question will be on the independently researched topic of the free movement of persons.
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: The aims of the course are as follows: To build on the knowledge and skills communicated in the classes of Sources and Institutions of Scots Law and Law and Government in which the students studied the institutions and judicial system of the European Union; to introduce students to the substantive law of the European Union, namely the internal market, competition law and policy and discrimination law; to fulfil the requirements of the Law Society of Scotland; to encourage interest in and awareness of the continuing process of European integration; to show how underlying socio-political and economic factors shape the development of European Union law; to further develop students transferable skills, in particular problem solving, written communication skills and autonomous learning skills; to encourage independent learning in preparation for the workshops andassessment.
Course Co-ordinator: Miss Maria Fletcher
When Taught: Semester 1 (September - December)
Timetable: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 1100
Requirements of entry: Normally a minimum D pass in Principles of Private Law (8QJU)
Co-requisites: 8ZMV Property Law
Assessment: 2 hour written examination + 10 minute oral examination + 1,500 word written assignment.
Degree Examination taken in: December
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: The knowledge-based aims of the course are: 1. To familiarise students with the nature of International Private Law, and its method and terminology. 2. To enable students to recognise conflict of laws issues in a legal problem. 3. To equip students to produce informed and reasoned arguments using Scots (and, subsidiarily, English) conflict rules, in order to provide viable solutions to conflict problems arising in major areas of private law. 4. To equip students to discuss in essay format topics of importance within the conflict of laws. The knowledge/skills-based aim of the course is: 5. To introduce students to the subject of law reform in the conflict of laws so that they may be able to evaluate recent and current law reform measures, national, international and EU. The skills-based aims of the course are: 6. To develop student skills of problem-solving and analysis. 7. To develop student skills in handling materials relating to the above areas, including statutory and case law and reading and assessment of Law Commission reports, conventions, EU explanatory memoranda, and other consultation documents. 8. To promote skills of oral discussion of legal problems within the conflict of laws. 9. To develop student skills of written communication and problem solving by means of submission of diagnostic written assignment, and by satisfactory performance in the degree examination.
Course Co-ordinator: Prof Elizabeth Crawford
When Taught: Semester 1 (September - December)
Timetable: 1 hour lectures Monday and Thursday at 1000 in Semester 1
Requirements of entry: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: 1: 10% oral presentation given in tutorial 2: 10% 750 word written submission to be handed in at the same time as oral presentation 3: 80% 3-hour written examination - 4 questions in January Exam Diet
Degree Examination taken in: December
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: The aim of the course is to enhance students’ understanding of law by placing it in its theoretical, philosophical and sociological contexts.
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Thomas Veitch
When Taught: Semester 1 (September - December)
Timetable: Weekly one hour lectures - Tuesday and Thursday at 1200
Requirements of entry: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Degree Examination taken in: December
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: The aims of the course are as follows: - to introduce students to the legal regulation of work relationships; - to identify the main sources of regulation; - to consider the contract of employment; - to consider the principal statutory employment rights.
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Jane Mair
When Taught: Semester 1 (September - December)
Timetable: 1 hour lectures Tuesday and Thursday at 1300 each week in Semester 1
Requirements of entry: Normally, obtaining credit in Sources and Institutions of Scots Law.
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: Assessment one consists of a group research project. You will be asked to form yourselves into groups of (approximately) five students each after the first seminar and these will be the groups in which you will complete the research project. There will be a choice of research projects from which to choose: . Each group will have to negotiate which project to complete. The project is due for submission to the Undergraduate Office in the School of Law on Friday of week 12, semester , but you should note that groups are required to give a presentation on their work in progress at seminar seven (week 10). You should therefore start work on your project early in the semester. For further guidance, please consult the Law School document, Key Skills and the LLB Curriculum. Completed projects must be no more than 3,000 words in length and must be typed. If a group considers that one or more members have not contributed to the work of the group and should not be given credit for the completed project, they should indicate this in writing when they submit their project. However, groups should exercise their best endeavours to resolve problems internally before seeking to expel members. In case of dispute, the course co-ordinator will decide who is to be given credit for the project. Assessment two consists of a two-hour unseen examination, to be held during the semester 1 examination period in January. It consists of two compulsory questions. Question 1 will be a case-noting exercise: you will write a case-note on one of a choice of leading cases. Question 2 will be a problem-solving exercise. Further guidance on the examination will be given in the last one or two lectures.
Degree Examination taken in: December
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: to introduce students to the theory and principles of accountable government at all levels - Scottish, United Kingdom and European; to introduce students to judicial techniques for achieving accountable government, in particular, judicial review, the Human Rights Act and official liability; to introduce students to the peculiarities of litigation against the Crown and public authorities; to introduce students to alternative techniques of accountable government; to improve students’ written communication skills; to improve students’ legal reasoning and problem-solving skills; to improve students’ group working and research skills.
Course Co-ordinator: Prof Adam Tomkins
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: 1 hour lectures Monday at 0900 and Friday at 1000 weeks 1-4 of Semester 1 and weeks 1 and 2 of Semester 2; 1 hour lectures Tuesday and Thursday at 1100 weeks 6-8 of Semester 2
Requirements of entry: Normally the award of credit for Principles of Private Law
Co-requisites: Normally attendance at Tax Law. Students who do not take the course in Tax Law may experience difficulty with the tax elements of this course
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: There will be five summative assessments: An essay on a law reform issue (1,500 words) (10%); A class test in the form of a multiple choice exam based on problem questions (20%); A group essay based on a complex problem (2,500 words). 20 per cent of the mark for this assessment will be derived from a peer assessment of the contribution of the group members in this assessment. (20%); A final two hour examination covering those areas of the course not otherwise assessed. (40%); Assessment of tutorial performance (10%). There will also be a short formative assessment.
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: The aims of the course are: to explain the nature of heritable and moveable property and the legal rules relating to ownership and transfer of such property; to introduce the basic elements of intellectual property protection; to provide students with a knowledge of the concepts underlying leases, the rights and duties of the parties to a lease and assignation and termination of leases; to introduce students to the trust concept and its operation; to explain the nature of testate and intestate succession, testamentary writings, vesting; to explain the tax consequences of property transactions; to take responsibility for effective individual and group discussion and problem solving exercises; to develop research skills; to develop problem solving skills; to assist the acquisition and development of effective groupworking skills; to assist the acquisition and development of organisational and communication skills required to both lead and be a participative member of a task-based group; to satisfy the professional requirements of the Law Society of Scotland and to provide a theoretical basis for Conveyancing practice in the Diploma in Legal Practice.
Course Co-ordinator: Mr Thomas Guthrie
When Taught: Semester 1 (September - December)
Timetable: 1 hour Lectures on Monday at 1100 and Tuesday at 1600
Requirements of entry: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: Taxation (345B)
Assessment: There will be one piece of summative assessment, a 3,000 word research assignment based on a complex multi-tax problem to be completed by each individual student taking the course submission deadline - Week 9 of Semester 1 Resit Research Assignment with an August deadline.
Degree Examination taken in: December
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: The aims of the course are as follows: to explain the scope of the UK tax jurisdiction; to introduce students to the sources of UK tax law including relevant aspects of European and international tax law; to provide students with a knowledge of the structure of Value Added Tax, Income Tax, Corporation Tax, Capital Allowances, Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duty/ Stamp Duty Land Tax and Inheritance Tax; to provide students with a detailed knowledge of key elements of Value Added Tax and Income Tax; to develop research, problem solving and written communication skills; to encourage students to study tax law at a higher academic level.
Course Co-ordinator: Mr John Brown
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: Weekly 2 hour seminars - day and time to be confirmed.
Requirements of entry: None
Assessment: Degree exam ? 60%; Essay ? 20%; Case study ? 20%.
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Aims: To introduce students to the principles of British discrimination law; To consider the development of British discrimination law within its European context; To introduce students to the theoretical and contextual background of discrimination law; To develop an awareness of the scope of British discrimination law; To encourage an understanding of the application of discrimination law in practice.
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Muriel Robison
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: Weekly 2-hour seminars.
Requirements of entry: Grade D or better in Forensic Medicine 1
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: The main assessment will be in the form of a final examination that will comprise 75% of the final mark. This will take the form of a number of essays and/or short notes on topics from the course that will test the student’s knowledge of the course subjects and their ability to apply that to a range of situations. The other 25% of the final mark will be obtained from completion of a written assignment on a specified topic at the end of semester 1. The subject will be in the forensic pathology field but not necessarily be directly from the core material. The student will be expected to research the topic and critically analyse the information with appropriate references.
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Resit Examination taken in: August/September
Aims: To give participants an understanding of the work of the forensic pathologist and the issues surrounding the investigation of death. To provide knowledge of the main types of injury and their interpretation in the medico-legal setting. To develop an awareness of the relevance of forensic pathology in criminal and civil law.
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Marjorie Black
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: Fridays from 1100 to 1300
Requirements of entry: Students will be expected to have a minimum grade D in Property Law
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: 30% - 3500 word Essay submission due at end of March 70% - 3-hour examination in May/June diet
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Aims: Knowledge based aims: The aim of the course is to enlarge the technical knowledge of the basic concepts of private law with a broader understanding of the socio-political function and meaning of these concepts.
To introduce the students to some of the seminal theoretical writings about private law and to engage them in close reading and discussion of these texts. To assist students in developing a critical understanding of the relationship of private law to its social environment and to encourage them to apply this understanding in their engagement with problems of private law. To help students appreciate the complex social dynamics of private law reasoning and to develop an ability to construct private law arguments in view of this complex social dynamics. To enable students to critically judge and assess judicial reasoning in key examples of private law case law and use this assessment in their own argumentation about problem cases and areas in private law.
Skill based aims:
The “broader understanding of the basic concepts of private law” invoked under “Knowledge based aims” will enhance and enrich the students’ argumentative and reasoning skills. The “broader understanding of the basic concepts of private law” invoked under “Knowledge based aims” will enhance and enrich the ability of students to employ private law reasoning in any sphere of employment or entrepreneurship where an understanding of the law plays a crucial law. The “broader understanding of the basic concepts of private law” invoked under “Knowledge based aims” will enhance and enrich the students’ analytical skills.
Course Co-ordinator: Prof Johan Van Der Walt
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: Weekly 2 hour lectures - Monday 1500 - 1700
Requirements of entry: Achievement of at least a C grade in Public International Law
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: .Summative:Class essay, 1,500-2,000 words (30%); 3-hour final exam (70%) .Formative: Feedback will be provided on in class discussion and presentations
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Aims: .to provide an in-depth analysis of the character and development of international law; .to provide a fuller and deeper understanding of the legal factors that govern the operation of international law; .to examine current developments in the various institutions considered (e.g., the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, etc.); .to enhance the students’ understanding of the nature and development of international dispute settlement; .to deepen the students’ understanding of various specialised branches of international law (e.g., international law of human rights, international environmental law); .to enhance the students’ overall critical analytical skills; .to facilitate the general development of group-work, oral communication, written presentation, and information processing skills.
Course Co-ordinator: Mr Akbar Rasulov
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: Twice weekly 1 hour principally lectures with some seminars/student led presentations - Tuesday 0900-1000 and Thursday 0900-1000
Requirements of entry: Normally minimum D pass in Principles of Private Law.
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: Examination (100%)
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Aims: The knowledge-based aims of the course are: (1) To explain the nature and the theory of the subject of International Private Law, its methods and terminology; (2) To enable students to identify conflict of laws issues in a legal problem; (3) To enable students critically to describe problems of the interpretation and ambit of jurisdictional rules, and to present reasoned argument upon complex conflict of laws problems in the area of civil jurisdiction; (4) To enable students to present informed argument upon points of the Scots law of civil evidence; (5) To equip students to apply conflict rules of Scots (and, subsidiarily, English) conflict rules in complex legal problems in the area of civil jurisdiction, so that they may be able to provide accurate, relevant and authoritative answers to problems arising within the subject area; (6) To enable students to provide an informed evaluation of the different methods of allocation of jurisdiction; (7) To enable students to differentiate between issues of substance and procedure, and to be able to advise upon the content and nature of particular pre-trial safeguards and remedies, and to explain the rules governing proof of foreign law and the significance thereof; (8) To equip students to explain the theory and detail of foreign decree enforcement; (9) To enable students to explain the Scots rules of civil evidence, and critically to examine areas of controversy within this field. The knowledge/skills-based aim of the course is: To introduce students to the subject of law reform in the area of civil jurisdiction and evidence, so that they may be able to appreciate recent and proposed law reform measures (national and international), including, in particular, the impact of the creation of the European judicial area; The skills-based aims of the course are: (1) To develop students skills of problem-solving and analysis; (2) To develop student skills in handling materials relating to conflict rules in the area of civil jurisdiction and evidence, including statutory and case interpretation, and reading and assessment of Law Commission reports and other consultation documents; (3) To foster student skills of written communication and problem solving by means of submission of diagnostic written assignment, and satisfactory performance in the degree examination.
Course Co-ordinator: Prof Elizabeth Crawford
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: Weekly - Thursday 1500 - 1700
Requirements of entry: Normally minimum of D in Commercial Law (Level 2)
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: Essay (25%); examination (75%).
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Aims: To provide a critical understanding of the law of commercial banking (knowledge); To provide students with tools for the critical analysis of problems in the law of commercial banking (skill).
Course Co-ordinator: Prof Lorne Crerar
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: Monday 1300 - 1500 in Semesters 1 and 2
Requirements of entry: Normally minimum of D in Jurisprudence (Level 2)
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: Essay (25%); examination (75%).
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Aims: To examine current issues and methodology of comparative law (and major legal traditions and carry out micro comparisons in a number of fields (knowledge); To provide students with tool for analysing different solutions to similar problems (skill).
Course Co-ordinator: Prof Esin Orucu
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: To be arranged
Requirements of entry: Normally Criminal Law and Evidence
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: Degree exam - 70%; Class essay - 30%.
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Aims: 1. To introduce the student to the criminal justice process and policy with particular reference to Scotland. 2. To explore the role of the police and prosecution system in prosecuting crime. 3. To analyse procedures for the trial and sentencing of criminal behaviour. 4. To foster a critical understanding and evaluation of areas of controversy within these areas of criminal process. 5. To carry out independent research on a topic of contemporary relevance.
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Fiona Leverick
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: Teaching will take the form of 15 weekly sessions containing lectures and class discussions, each lasting 2 hours (c. 30 hours in total). They will be held at 2.00 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Requirements of entry: Students will be admitted to this course by GPA performance
Assessment: 4000 word essay (40%) and 2 hour final examination (60%)
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Aims: The course content includes the legal, political and social background of environmental law; approaches to environmental protection and prevention of pollution; sources of environmental law (international, EU, UK law); regulatory agencies; issues in enforcement of environmental law at EC and national level; the substantive law relating to the protection of certain environmental media, such as, protection of habitat/nature conservation, prevention of water pollution, atmospheric pollution and integrated pollution control; the future of environmental law and sustainable development.
Course Co-ordinator: Mr Kenneth Ross
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: Weekly Seminar or Lecture in Semester One Weekly Seminar or Lecture in Semester Two
Requirements of entry: Requires the following mandatory courses: Sources and Institutions of Scots Law (8RBU) or Legal Systems Ordinary (9G3B). Visiting students - at the discretion of the course convenor.
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: European Legal History Module 1; European Legal History Module 2. 8RFW European Legal History 3 8RGW Medieval European Legal History 3 90ZF Medieval European Legal History for Historians
Assessment: Research Essay ? 50%; two class tests ? 20% each; seminar performance ? 10%.
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Aims: The aims of the course are to: 1. Provide students with a thorough understanding of the historical development of aspects of law and legal institutions within western Europe 2. Provide an overview of the historical sources relevant to the field of European Legal History. 3. Develop the analytical and critical skills of students by detailed examination of particular legal developments. 4. Develop research skills by requiring students to undertake an assessed essay. 5. Develop the oral and presentational skills of students by class discussion and also by requiring each student to make a class presentation based on a prescribed topic of research. 6. Develop the general knowledge of students, particularly their knowledge of Scottish and European history. 7. Deepen appreciation of particular areas of contemporary law by adding a new dimension to existing knowledge of those areas.
Course Co-ordinator: Dr John Finlay
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: Weekly 2 hour seminars - Wednesday 1100-1300
Requirements of entry: D grades in SISL and Law and Government at the first attempt
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: Group essay (25%); group project report (25%); examination (50%).
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Aims: This course aims to develop an understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights (including the impact of incorporation on domestic law) and related European human rights instruments and also certain ‘transferable’ or ‘key’ skills in students: ie, communication, problem-solving, working with others, improving one’s own learning and performance, and IT.
Course Co-ordinator: Prof James Murdoch
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: Weekly 2 hour seminars - Monday 1100 - 1300
Requirements of entry: Normally, a grade C or above in Sources and Institutions of Scots Law and Law and Government. International exchange students will be expected to have previously studied some public law.
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: Essay (25%); examination (75%).
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Aims: Knowledge based: To examine the institutional framework of the EU; To discuss and critique the current debates on the reform of the EU; To introduce students to the debates on good governance in the EU; To enable a deeper understanding of EU law-making; To gain a critical understanding of the role of the European Courts and judicial remedies. Skills based: To enhance research skills in the field of European constitutional law; To encourage students to engage in constructive and analytical discussions on key issues in the seminar; To enable studentsto write critically about EU institutions and processes; To encourage and enhance learning through group-work in seminars.
Course Co-ordinator: Miss Maria Fletcher
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: Weekly two hour seminars - Tuesday 1300-1500
Assessment: Assessment consists of a 2,000 word answer to a problem (25%) and a three hour final exam (75%) in which three questions must be answered from ten.
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Aims: The principal aim of this course is to promote familiarity and understanding of the law as it relates to the field of Intellectual Property in the United Kingdom and Europe and to situate that understanding within an international context. Further aims are: (i) to develop the analytical and critical skills of students by detailed examination some of the relevant legislation, conventions and cases governing Intellectual Property law; (ii) to instil in students an ability to constructively criticise current Intellectual Property law and to suggest and evaluate possible reforms; (iii) to give students some knowledge of the practical applications of Intellectual Property law; (iv) to foster an understanding of and ability to evaluate areas of controversy within this area of law.
Course Co-ordinator: Mr Thomas Guthrie
When Taught: Full Session (September - March)
Timetable: Weekly 2 hour seminars - Thursday 1300 - 1500
Requirements of entry: Normally a C in Jurisprudence
Co-requisites: None
Excluded Courses: None
Assessment: Essay (40%); examination (60%).
Degree Examination taken in: April/May
Aims: Provide students with an in-depth understanding of some central problems of legal theory; Strengthen students’ analytical skills in dealing with a range of theoretical and practical legal issues; Broaden students’ awareness of legal theoretical questions in a historical, contemporary and comparative framework.
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Thomas Veitch