Civil Law - A Comparative Introduction
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LAWW2015 | Law | 2 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- LAWW2015
- School
- Law
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module introduces students to the civil law tradition as practised on the continent of Europe by comparing its history and main features with the common law tradition as practised in the United Kingdom. It will pay particular attention to the legal systems of France and Germany (although reference will be made to Spain, the Netherlands and other European jurisdictions), and will emphasise the principal areas of private law (contract, tort and property) as well as constitutional law (protection of fundamental rights, the structure of the judiciary and the role of constitutional adjudication).
It will cover:
-the structure of civilian legal systems, including the constitutional and institutional context
-sources of law and legal development
-basic features of contract, tort and property law
-harmonisation of law and the emergence of a European private law
-the methodological challenges of legal comparison.
All teaching shall be in English. All students will be exposed to the same core content. Seminars shall explore in depth the topics analysed in lecture with specific emphasis on the relevant legal system.
Target Students
Only available to UG Level 2 students enrolled on U6ULWSSLY (BA Hons Law with Spanish and Spanish Law), or U6ULWFFLY (BA Hons Law with French and French Law) and exchange students hosted by the School of Law.
Classes
This module is taught in seminar format.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: 8 pages.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the main features and basic concepts of the civilian legal tradition, which dominates the continent of Europe, as well as its differences and similarities with the common law tradition, which provides the bulk of the subject matter of their studies at Nottingham. This will not only acquaint students with legal systems that they are increasingly likely to come into contact with during the rest of their studies and their professional careers, but will also develop their understanding of legal change, especially the harmonisation of private law in Europe. The module shall also enable students to reflect on the relation between law, culture and history.Students intending to study a year abroad in Europe as part of their Nottingham law degree will be able to acquire a basic knowledge of the structure and concepts of the systems in which they will study as well as methodological tools for integrating their year abroad with their study of English law.Learning Outcomes
a) Knowledge and understanding:
- Knowledge and understanding of the civilian legal tradition as practised in Europe, and its relationship with the English common law tradition
- Knowledge and understanding of comparative law, including its role in the harmonisation of private law in Europe.
b) Intellectual skills:
- Comprehension of legal materials from civil law jurisdictions
- Ability to interpret legal rules and principles as part of multi-faceted social practices
- Gathering, processing, integrating and critically evaluating material from a variety of legal systems and legal sources.
c) Professional practical skills:
- The ability to interpret and use legal information from civil law jurisdictions.
d) Transferable (key) skills:
- The capacity to address complex questions critically, carefully and objectively.
- The ability to reflect and respond to a multicultural environment The ability to cope with the challenges raised by cultural and historical differences.