Module Code - Title:
LA6023
-
LAW AND JUSTICE
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module explores legal theory and philosophy as they relate to ideas of justice and equality. The module draws on the work of a variety of theorists and movements to allow students to develop an appreciation of the social, moral, and gendered dimensions of law. The module considers the concept of justice and how it can be realised by or within the legal system. The module also examines the interaction between law, justice and equality through examination of equality-based principles relevant to the study of law.
Syllabus:
The syllabus will reflect contemporary issues in law, justice and equality and so will naturally evolve each year to respond to the changing legal and social environment in Ireland and abroad. Topics offered within this module may include
• Ethical thinking
• Law and morality
• Law and rights
• Problem solving
• The rule of law
• Feminism
• Law and equality
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Outline ideas of legal philosophy that relate to the concept of justice
• Employ different theoretical approaches to the study of law and justice
• Examine the extent to which such theories can explain occurrences in the Irish legal system
• Appreciate and evaluate the social, moral, and gendered dimensions of law
• Critically examine the operation of equality-based principles in the Irish legal system
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Appreciate different ways of conceptualising justice and equality from a legal perspective
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be delivered online. The module aims to engage students in proactive and creative learning both independently and as part of a collective online forum. It aims to enable students to broaden their understanding of the discipline and articulate their understanding through written and digital communication. Methods of teaching will include recorded lectures, provision of lecture notes and online reading materials and assessment.
University of Limerick - Graduate Attributes:
This module will promote student knowledge and will enhance their capacity for critical thought and reflection. Through directed and independent research, students will develop a responsible and engaged response to their learning and will strengthen their ability to apply previous disciplinary knowledge to new contexts.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Hart (2012)
The Concept of Law
, OUP
Dworkin (1986)
Taking Rights Seriously
, Princeton University Press
Fuller (1977)
The Morality of Law
, Yale University Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
GDEQDITPA - EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Spring
Module Leader:
Generic PRS