Module Identifier LA30310  
Module Title ADMINISTRATIVE LAW  
Academic Year 2003/2004  
Co-ordinator Ms Naomi J Salmon  
Semester Semester 1  
Pre-Requisite LA10110 or LA30110 or LA15710 and LA16220 or LA36220  
Mutually Exclusive LA10310  
Course delivery Lecture   20 Hours Two one hour lectures per week  
  Seminars / Tutorials   4 Hours Seminar. Four one hour seminars during the semester  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam1.5 Hours  50%
Semester Assessment Essay: up to a maximum of 1500 words required in week 7  50%
Supplementary Assessment By retaking the failed element (ie written assignment or examination or both, as applicable)   
Professional Exemptions Required for Professional Purposes  

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Students should obtain knowledge and skills that are relevant in a legal context:

knowledge about the regulation of administrative activities in Britain.

skills in reading and analyzing administrative legislation and cases.

an understanding of contextual factors, such as political dynamics which shape the legal powers and control of the administration.

Students should acquire skills that are relevant beyond legal work:

- reading and understanding legal materials should develop students'' general
powers of analysis, such as problem solving and constructing arguments

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

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

- the completion of the written assignment, students'' own reading in the library and seminar preparation should develop their skills of self-motivation, time management and organisational 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, the GM field trials 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 administrative law, including the role of European law and the impact of devolution. 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 which 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?

To provide a basis for more detailed work, either through study of public law modules in subsequent semesters (such as welfare and housing law) and / or through research for undergraduate dissertations.

Content

Teaching will be by lectures and small group 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 in 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.
? Human rights and judicial review ? a look at some case law.
? Non-judicial grievance mechanisms ? the Ombudsman system.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Bradley & Ewing (2002) Constitutional & Administrative Law 13th.
Barnett (2002) Constitutional & Administrative Law 4th.
Leyland & Woods (1999) Textbook on Administrative Law 3rd.
Pollard, Parpworth & Hughes (2001) Constitutional & Administrative Law 3rd.

Journals
** Recommended Consultation
Public Law
Public Administration
European Human Rights Law Review
Modern Law Review
Oxford Journal of Legal Studies

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6