Module Code - Title:
LA4012
-
COMPARATIVE LEGAL SYSTEMS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To show the evolution of some of the distinguishing features of the major legal families and to examine some alternatives offered by non-western cultures.
Syllabus:
The idea of law. Legal concepts. The historical development of common law. Early Irish law. Roman law. Civil law. Some fundamental concepts. German, French, Spanish and Scottish legal systems - introduction. How a Civil lawyer finds the law. American legal system. Other conceptions of law and the social order.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Identify the different approaches to comparative law.
Summarise the binding and persuasive sources of law, both historical and contemporary, in the Anglo-American and continental legal traditions.
Describe the impact of the Anglo-American and continental legal traditions around the world and discuss other major alternative traditions.
Compare the role of the judge and the status of jurisprudence (case law) in the Anglo-American and continental legal traditions.
Assess the convergence or divergence between the Anglo-American and continental legal traditions in Europe.
Contrast the structures and aims of national and international law.
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:
louise.mcneil@ul.ie