Module Information

This module aims to prepare students for their other Law studies at University by introducing students to the range of skills that students must master if they are to be successful in those studies. The module achieves this aim by providing opportunities for students to develop and refine these skills.

RESEARCHING THE LAW
Having first explained the need to develop legal skills, the module introduces the notion of legal research and its fundamental importance to Law students and practitioners. Students will be introduced to the Law library and become familiar with its layout and holdings. A library exercise will require students to locate a wide range of materials relevant to the study of law. Students will thereby learn how to conduct research by using 'hard copy' materials (books, periodicals, law reports, encyclopaedias etc.) and by using information technology systems. Specific guidance will be given on finding the principal sources of law - legislation and law reports - on finding academic legal literature, and on planning legal research.

READING THE LAW
In addition to locating the relevant legal materials, students must also develop the ability to analyse and apply the product of their research. Guidance will be given on reading and analysing legislation, law reports and academic literature. A series of exercises will provide opportunities for students to develop these skills, and to receive feedback and further guidance from tutors. Throughout their legal studies, the principal manner in which students will be required to demonstrate their ability to read and analyse legal materials will be through written legal essays and problem answers, and through oral discussion and presentations in tutorials. Within this module, students will be provided with opportunities to develop these skills, and in particular legal writing and problem solving.

The aims of the module are threefold. The first is to enable the effective study of law as an academic discipline by students, both independently and as a group. The second aim is to ensure that students acquire and cultivate legal research skills. The third aim is to enhance a range of presentational and expository skills of valuable application in academic study at all levels, as well as the wider employment market.

Syllabus:

Introduction
The Importance of Legal Skills

Researching the Law
The Law Library
Finding Primary Sources
Finding Secondary Sources

Reading the Law
Reading Legislation
Reading Law Reports
Reading academic legal literature

Legal Writing
Writing for different legal purposes
Academic writing - identifying sources and authorities