Module Information

Module Identifier
LA30310
Module Title
Administrative Law
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Co-Requisite
GF16220 or LA16220 or LA36220
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Pre-Requisite
GF10110 or LA10110 or GF30110 or LA30110 or LA15710
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Seminar 5 x 1 Hour Seminars
Lecture 16 x 1 Hour Lectures
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   Exam  Candidates are not permitted to bring any books, notes or any other materials into the examination.  100%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   Exam  Candidates are not permitted to bring any books, notes or any other materials into the examination.  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Show that they have gained knowledge and skills that are relevant in a legal context, such as;

Knowledge about the regulation of administrative activities in Britain.

Skills in reading and analyzing key legislation and cases.

An understanding of contextual factors, such as the political dynamics that shape the role and legal powers of the executive.

Students should also have acquired a range of transferable skills such as:

- the ability to read and understand legal materials; improved powers of analysis; problem solving skills and ability to construct coherent legal argument.

- students should develop skills in communicating their ideas clearly and concisely through participation in seminar discussions and the assessed essay

- exercises during the seminars should develop team working skills including self-awareness, self confidence and inter personal skills

Brief description

Administrative law falls under the broad umbrella of Public Law. It is concerned with the exercise of state power, and the impact of governmental activities upon the citizen. Since the 19th Century the role of government has expanded considerably and nowadays we can see that the state is extensively involved in most areas of our lives. Thus, administrative law - being the body of law that both facilitates government and seeks to control the exercise of state power - is concerned with a whole range of issues including education, the running of our prisons, planning, transport, welfare benefits system and much more. From the student perspective for example, the disciplinary powers the university has in relation to students, as well as the student relationship with the Student Loan Company are guided by administrative law principles.

In addition to providing a basic grounding in administrative law, this module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of selected areas of executive governmental activity. A key aim of this course is to promote student interest in what is an extremely relevant and fast moving area of law.

Aims

To provide students with the knowledge and the skills in this field of legal study that they will require for a career in the legal profession.

To develop critical understanding of how the law regulates and facilitates the activities of government.

To develop a critical understanding of how we, as citizens, fit into the picture as those who are governed. How does this area of law promote the well-being of society? What mechanisms exist to protect us when things go wrong?

Content

Teaching will be via lectures and seminars.
Lectures will cover key issues and will provide a basis for further independent study. Reading lists and notes will be provided to support the lecture programme. Students will be expected to build upon what they learn during lectures in order to develop a good level of understanding of the subject.


The seminars will provide students with the opportunity to discuss the topics covered in the lectures and address any problems. Specific questions or tasks will be set in advance of each seminar and students will be expected to work independently and prepare adequately for these sessions. The aim of the seminars is to promote critical understanding and independent learning, whilst also encouraging active participation in group work and developing self confidence.



Syllabus
This module will cover topics such as:
  • The nature and purpose of administrative law.
  • The modern administrative state - rolling back the frontiers and the rise of New Public Management.
  • Introduction to judicial review.
  • Non-judicial grievance mechanisms - the Ombudsman system.
  • The role of local government.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6