Overview

Discover how law shapes and sustains our society in this introductory course on the English and Welsh legal system. Whether you're beginning your legal studies, working as a journalist or social worker, or simply curious to understand how law works in practice, this course provides essential foundational knowledge. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: - Trace the historical development of the rule of law from medieval Britain to the present day and explain how legal principles evolved to balance power between rulers and citizens - Distinguish between criminal and civil law and apply this understanding to real-world scenarios involving compensation, punishment, and justice - Navigate primary legal materials effectively, including interpreting statutes, analysing case law, and understanding how to use legal precedents in practical situations - Explain how England's legal system operates, including court hierarchies, the doctrine of precedent, the roles of barristers and solicitors, and the jurisdiction of different courts from Magistrates' Courts to the Court of Appeal - Analyse contemporary legal and constitutional issues, including civil rights, judicial review, and the impact of Brexit on European law within the English legal framework This course is open to anyone with an interest in the field: potential law students, anyone interested in law, and people with an interest in how politicians have to engage with legal constraints. You don’t need any previous knowledge or experience of the subject to attend.

Syllabus

How Law Cements Society

In this module, we will look at how the rule of law emerged in medieval Britain to limit rulers' power and protect citizens' rights. You will also learn why private law became essential for maintaining justice between individuals and explore the foundations of compensation and punishment in legal systems. At the end of this module, you will be able to:

Criminal Law v Civil law

In this module, we will explore the fundamental differences between civil and criminal law through real-world scenarios. You will learn when wrongdoing leads to compensation versus punishment, and how to distinguish between accidental harm and intentional wrongdoing in legal contexts. At the end of this module, you will be able to:

Learning the law: Tools and Resources

In this module, you will be taught the essential skills for reading and interpreting legal documents. You will learn to navigate statutes, case law, and court decisions, and understand how to work with primary legal sources rather than relying on textbooks. At the end of this module, you will be able to:

Who’s to judge?

In this module, we will examine England's unique court system from Magistrates' Courts to the Court of Appeal. You will learn how legal precedent works in practice and understand the distinct roles of barristers and solicitors in England's dual legal profession. At the end of this module, you will be able to:

Civil Rights and Wrongs

In this final module, we will look at the legal remedies available to individuals, from contract disputes to personal injury claims. You will learn how citizens can challenge government decisions through judicial review and understand the ongoing impact of Brexit on European law and human rights. At the end of this module, you will be able to: