Module Identifier | LA37610 | ||
Module Title | REGIONAL LEGISLATURES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM | ||
Academic Year | 2002/2003 | ||
Co-ordinator | Ms Ann P Sherlock | ||
Semester | Intended for use in future years | ||
Next year offered | N/A | ||
Next semester offered | N/A | ||
Co-Requisite | LA16220 or LA36220 | ||
Course delivery | Lecture | 14 Hours One two hour and two one hour lectures in weeks 1-3. Two one hour lectures in week 4 | |
Seminars / Tutorials | 3 Hours Seminar. Three one hour seminars during the semester | ||
Assessment | Semester Assessment | Dissertation: Submission of dissertation - maximum of 4000 words required in week 12 | 80% |
Semester Assessment | Report: Short Plan of The Dissertation Required in week 7 | 20% | |
Supplementary Assessment | Resit by submission of dissertation | ||
Professional Exemptions | Not Required for Professional Purposes |
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- explain general constitutional principles and practice regarding the division of power within states
- discuss the division of power between the various assemblies / parliaments within the UK
- discuss the role and powers of the National Assembly for Wales, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Scottish Parliament
- discuss the way in which business and members are regulated in the different bodies
- carry out research on a legal topic
- discuss issues of particular significance in the individual bodies / jurisdictions
- evaluate the impact of devolution on the UK Constitution
Syllabus
Introduction and General Material: different models, federalism, unitary states. Comparative material regarding general classifications. Legal and practical arrangements concerning the division of power within states.
Introduction to regional legislatures in the UK: Historical background; devolution in Northern Ireland 1922-1972; proposals in the 1970s; background to devolution in the 1990s.
An examination of the legislative bodies in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in relation to the following:
- powers and functions
- structures within the body, with special reference to the executive and its relations with the rest of the body
- openness and transparency
- accountability
- sleaze, integrity and members' interests
- consultation with the people
- inclusivity
- sensitive issues eg language, religion etc
- the extent to which 'traditional' constitutional norms and practices are tested.