Module: The Irish Legal System

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	The Irish Legal System
Module Code	LG131 (ITS) / LAW1007 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Law & Government
Module Co-ordinator	Tanya Ní Mhuirthile
Module Teachers	Adam Mcauley
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination
Exam

Description

The aim of this module is to enable students to develop their critical awareness of the economic, social and political context in which law operates. The module aims to explore the functions of law within society and how law both shapes, and is shaped by, wider social forces. On completion of the course, the student will be aware of the main foundations and features of both the common law legal system and the basic principles of Irish law.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the role of law as a social, economic, cultural and political phenomenon
2. Critically appraise the key components of the Irish legal system, its connection with EU membership and its interaction with the international legal system.
3. Identify the key principles of Irish law and locate and explain the sources of Irish law.
4. Identify the main ways in which law is reported and describe the roles of the people working in the legal system.
5. Display critical judgment regarding the application of legal principles to factual problem situations.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	53	Reading for lectures
Independent Study	48	Exam revision
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative topics
Introduction to the Irish Legal System & The Role of Law in Society. The Legal Profession. The Court System-Civil and Criminal Procedure and Jurisdiction. Redress, Reform and Access to Law. The Legislative Process. The Doctrine of Precedent. The Constitution- Interpretation and Rights. Introduction to European Union Law. Introduction to International Law.

Activities
Students will be expected (via the guidelines, links and suggested readings on Moodle) to read case law and legislation, academic articles and core texts; participate in class discussions and keep abreast of ongoing developments in this area of law.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Byrne & McCutcheon: 0, The Irish Legal System (latest ed),
Higgins & Tatham: 0, Successful Legal Writing (latest ed),
Bradney, Cownie, Masson, Neal, & Newell: 0, How to Study Law (latest ed),

Other Resources

32875, Website, 0, courts.ie; irlgov.ie; bailii.org; europa.eu.int, 32876, Journals, 0, The Law Society Gazette; The Bar Review; Judicial Studies Institute Journal,