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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2022 - 2023

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

: This module introduces students to important legal concepts and guides students on how to find, use, and understand key legal sources. The module equips students with important research skills that are fundamental in conducting legal research. It also focuses on developing essential transferable skills that will enable students to write, cite, and present legal arguments with clarity. On completion of the course, students will be equipped with essential research skills and 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. Reference work according to strict academic standards
2. Describe, and explain foundational concepts in Law
3. Put forward an argument and use evidence to defend it
4. Analyse and evaluate others' arguments
5. Apply knowledge to a novel puzzle, and in so doing create new knowledge
6. Gather and apply data to questions in law



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture10No Description
Tutorial10No Description
Assignment Completion36No Description
Directed learning10No Description
Independent Study184No Description
Total Workload: 250

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

Substantive Material
1. Law and Morality 2. Law and Justice 3. Sources of Law 4. Hierarchy of Courts 5. Precedent 6. Legislative Process 7. Legislative Interpretation 8. The EU 9. International Legal Organisations 10. Legal Professions

Skills Material
1. Case brief 2. Citations – OSCOLA 3. How to write an essay? 4. How to write a problem question? 5. How to use JustisOne 6. How to prepare for a presentation 7. Engaging with academic work

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Tanya Ní Mhuirthile, Catherine O’Sullivan and Liam Thornton: 2016, Fundamentals of the Irish Legal System: Law Policy and Politics, 1, Thomson Roundhall, Dublin,
Other Resources

None
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