Certificate of Higher Education in Law

Modules Studied

Introduction to the English Legal System

On completion of this module you will know about sources and major types of law and gain an understanding of how law is made through case law and by statute. You will learn about the English court and Tribunal system, appreciate the doctrine of judicial precedent and understand its key concepts.

You will also gain an insight into the process of how statutes are created and examine how they are applied using the rules of statutory interpretation. You will develop a critical understanding of the Civil and Criminal Justice systems, access to justice and legal personnel.

You will develop an understanding and overview of human rights and the Human Rights Act 1998. The most recent reforms will be critically analysed. Within the course there are visits to the Bodleian law library and local courts, as well as a tour of Parliament.

Law Rights and the Body

By studying this module you will understand the law relating to civil and human rights, appreciate the differences between ethical and legal issues, distinguish common law and statutory provision in relation to informed consent to medical treatment, and issues relating to capacity.

You will consider the law in a variety of case study examples of rights relating to the body: e.g. the use of body parts by artists, researchers and donor recipients; the law relating to assisted death – suicide and euthanasia; the law relating to assisted reproduction – donor eggs, sperm and embryo’s - and surrogacy; DNA testing and data banks; rights to receive (and discontinue) medical treatment; and rights and regulation of the dead (buried or cremated).

In addition, you will appreciate the social, economic and political context of current socio-legal debates of rights in relation to the body and consider and compare the position of human bodies with those of animals.

Law of the European Union

This module is intended to provide an introduction to the law of the European Union in its wider political context and to complement European aspects of other modules of the course. The module will focus on study of the constitutional framework of the European Union, its institutions and law making machinery.

You will study substantive law relating to the free movement provisions of the internal market and anti-discrimination with reference to the cases in the European Court of Justice. In addition you will critically analyse the enforcement procedures of the courts and institutions of the European Union, and develop an awareness of the issues surrounding further integration and enlargement of the European Union, and the wider jurisprudence of the European Community. The most recent developments within the EC will be critically examined.

Employment Law

This module will distinguish between a contract of service and contract for services; recognise and distinguish between terms and conditions in employment contracts and consequences of a breach by either party; understand the rules relating to sex and racial discrimination, and explicate the provisions of the pending legislation on religious and age discrimination; and discern the distinctions between wrongful dismissal and unfair dismissal. You will appreciate the legal, economic and social aspects of labour law.

Sex, Gender and the Law

After completing this module you will understand the development of feminist jurisprudence in context of development of feminism, have acquired knowledge of gender differences within the legal process and procedure of the criminal justice system with respect to women who commit homicide, and acquire knowledge and understanding of differential treatment of gays, lesbians and those who have reassigned their gender within the legal system generally and specifically in relation to their rights in respect of marriage, parenting, criminal law, sex discrimination in employment, post operative sex status etc.

You will also acquire knowledge and understanding of the gender specific operation of the law in respect of socio-legal issues e.g. prostitution, immigration, nationality and asylum.

Anti-Discrimination Law

On completion of this module you will understand anti-discrimination law in respect of race, gender, disability, age, religion and sexuality. You will understand the legal process and procedure for pursuing legal remedies to discrimination and acquire knowledge and working understanding of relevant case law.

You will also acquire knowledge and understanding of the application of civil and human rights to this area of law, and acquire knowledge and understanding of race inquiries and their relevance to study of the social and economic context of exploring legal definitions and remedies to racism. The links with European Union law and Employment law in relation to anti-discrimination law are strong themes within this course.

Subject Knowledge and Understanding

Law is a fascinating and demanding subject to study. It concerns the system of laws, rules and principles by which societies operate. The study of Law at Ruskin examines issues at national, regional and European levels.

We combine the delivery of a strong content-based teaching programme with training in specific skills of legal analysis and critical thinking. There are many opportunities to “think outside the box” and participate in lively debates. We encourage our students to think as lawyers.

On completion of this course, the students should be able to:

Understand how law is made in the English Legal System.
Understand how laws are applied within the Courts.
Develop an understanding of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Understand recent and proposed constitutional reforms.
Appreciate the social, economic and political context of current socio-legal debates of rights in relation to the body.
Appreciate the law relating to assisted suicide and euthanasia, assisted reproduction and consent to medical treatment.
Understand the substantive constitutional framework and substantive law of the European Union.
Understand European law-making policy and the respective Institutions

Generic Skills across the Programme

A significant number of our students go on to study law further and work in the legal profession.

One of the key reasons to study here is to enhance future career prospects. In addition to building a resource of discipline –based skills, Law encourages the development of a portfolio of skills that will prove invaluable in future careers, as well as developing increased confidence amongst our students.

These skills include:

Legal research skills
Teamwork
Oral Presentations
Problem solving
Communication skills
Developing independent learning in coursework and tutorial assignments.
Developing the skills required to make and study legal arguments will be invaluable to you, whether or not you go on to train as a professional lawyer.

Intellectual skills

Application of legal method
Use of legal terminology
Analytical and deductive reasoning (Case law)
Evaluation skills
Identify and apply legal as distinct from socio-political or ethical reasoning to areas of socio-legal issues under consideration
Apply problem solving approach to case study examples examined in seminars