This course provides an introduction to constitutional law.

Lectures twice weekly

Tutorials of 2 hours duration every 2 weeks

Constitutional Law (LAW 1023)

None

Assessment

Summative written assignment (30%)

3 hours Summative Exam (70%) in Semester 2 exam period.

Reassessment

Students will be offered reassessment in either or both of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course (D3) and the required minimum grades for each (E3) are not achieved at the first attempt.

■ to introduce students to, and enable them to understand, the constitutional law of the United Kingdom and of its constituent nations with particular regard to Scotland, and in the context of membership of the European Union;

■ to enable students to develop a wide range of generic and subject-specific skills including research skills, oral and written communication skills primary, analytical skills and the ability to construct and present coherent arguments;

■ to encourage students to work effectively both individually and in groups.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Knowledge-based Outcomes:

■ understand and explain the structure composition and functions of:

■ the devolved institutions of Scottish government including the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Executive;

■ the Westminster Parliament and UK executive;

■ the institutions of the European Union;

■ understand and explain the basic doctrines of the constitution including the Sovereignty of Parliament, the Separation of Powers and ministerial responsibility;

■ understand and explain the non-legal sources of the constitution, especially constitutional conventions;

■ understand and explain the impact of membership of the European Union (and of departure from it) and of devolution on the UK constitution;

■ understand and explain the legal basis for the protection of human rights and civil liberties in UK law;

■ be aware of proposals for further reform of the United Kingdom's constitution.

Skill-based Outcomes:

■ research a legal problem using both primary and secondary sources;

■ present written and oral legal argument based on such research;

■ solve legal problems;

■ research the legal background to, and aspects of the social context of controversial legal issues using primary and secondary sources, and present written and oral argument based on such research;

■ demonstrate proficiency in interpreting and applying primary legal sources;

■ work effectively in a group to prepare answers to legal problems and discursive essays

■ develop IT skills via word-processing of assignments, use of web-based materials for research.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.

Students must attend and participate in tutorials, make an oral presentation and complete any tasks required for tutorials.

Students must submit all written assignments by the due date.