Module Code - Title:
LA4001
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LEGAL SYSTEM AND METHOD
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To introduce the discipline of law through an examination of the functioning of the legal system, sources of law and legal methodology.
Syllabus:
The concept of law, common law, civil law in Europe. Classification of law: municipal, international, substantive, procedural, public, and private. The administration of justice in Ireland. Sources of law: common law, legislation, the Constitution, European law. Elements of the Constitution of Ireland. Legal reasoning and methodology.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Describe the key legal and political institutions of the Irish legal system.
Identify the binding and persuasive sources of law in the Irish legal system.
Explain the role of the courts within the constitutional separation of legal-political powers in Ireland.
Examine and evaluate the operation of stare decisis or precedent in Irish adjudication.
Examine and evaluate the process of statutory interpretation in Irish adjudication.
Summarise and critique the legal reasoning and methodology of the Irish legal system.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
LucyAnn.Buckley@ul.ie