Module Code - Title:
LA4012
-
COMPARATIVE LEGAL SYSTEMS
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
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:
Prime Texts:
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN APPLIED LANGUAGES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN EUROPEAN STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE AND EUROPEAN STUDIES
BACHELOR OF LAWS
BACHELOR OF LAWS (LAW PLUS)
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Luke.Danagher@ul.ie