CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN LAW - 2024/5

Module Overview

The module examines law in a social, ethical, political, historical, and international context. Students will be introduced to the English Legal System and analyse how laws in England and Wales are implemented. The focus will be on contemporary issues, to illustrate how academic studies relate to law in practice and the impact it has on society. It requires students to examine how public opinion, politics and the media influence lawmakers and provides students with a variety of transferable employability skills including group work and self-reflection.

Module provider

Surrey Law School

Module Leader

KESHISHI Nayiri (Law)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 3

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Module content includes:

• An introduction to the English Legal System


• Contemporary Issues in Human Rights


• Contemporary Issues in Criminal Law


• Contemporary Issues in Tort


• Contemporary issues in Environmental Law


• Contemporary Issues in Medical Law


• Contemporary Issues in Family Law


• Contemporary Issues in Company Law

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

In-class test if a student is unable to undertake the online test.. 

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate that they have understood how the law relates to real life issues and they are able to apply the law to a range of questions, focusing on human rights and ethical issues (timed MCQ exam). Students are also able to demonstrate effective research and critical analysis skills when writing a case study and analysis. The assessment evaluates the extent to which students have understood factors which lead to reform, how such changes are implemented and what obstacles prevent such change (MCQ and case analysis).

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

1) Timed multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam - This independent online MCQ exam will assess human rights, the legislative process and ethical theories, principles, and their application to the contemporary issues discussed in Lectures 1-3. It aims to further evaluate understanding of these issues and demonstrate an ability to reason ethically and make informed decisions.

2) A case study and analysis - This independent assessment requires students to read a case which they have studied between weeks 5 – 10 and build upon their independent research and critical analysis skills to write a 1500-word case summary and analysis. Students can further their understanding of OSCOLA referencing as they are required to use this in the assessment. This assessment requires students to undertake independent research and critically engage with literature from a variety of sources.

All assessments require students to utilize skills which will prepare them for future study and equips them with a variety of transferable skills.

Formative assessment
Before the assessments, students will receive detailed guidance and feedback during lectures and tutorials. This support includes a formative MCQ. To prepare for the 1500-word case study and analysis, students will receive peer and oral feedback on their submissions. Additionally, general feedback is provided in lectures to remind students how to correctly reference using OSCOLA and to highlight common mistakes when writing the case study. Guidance is delivered in stages to prevent information overload.

 

Feedback

Oral feedback is provided following the formative MCQ. Prior to submission of the case study and analysis, students will attend a tutorial where they will review an exemplar case study and have an opportunity to ask questions. They will also be reminded of the importance of proper referencing and avoiding plagiarism.

Module aims

• To develop an understanding of the English Legal System and how law interacts with other modules they study in the Foundation Year (Politics and Sociology)
• To develop and awareness of core legal principles and facilitate their application to recent case law (understanding of law in practice)
• To develop a clear and comprehensive understanding of the function of Parliament, Court, and public opinion in shaping the law
• To develop transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and self-reflection

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to ensure that students achieve the module learning outcomes.

 

Students will begin to gain a basic understanding of the interaction between Law, Politics and Society. They may have some knowledge from ‘A’ level and BTEC studies, however, for many this will be the first time they are introduced to the subject.  Students will develop an understanding of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary and discover the importance of checks and balances and that no one is above the law.  This introduction is significant as students need to understand that law, politics and society are equally important to each other and that the law cannot operate alone.  When we have discussed the three areas, with examples, students are introduced to a variety of contemporary issues and case law to illustrate how law, politics and society interact. 

All lectures and tutorials are live, although lecture recordings are available to students for revision purposes. Students are encouraged to undertake pre-lecture reading to gain some knowledge of the topic which also ensures engagement and participation during the lecture. Students are required to undertake research and prepare for tutorials which include group discussions and presentations which enhance confidence and communication, all important transferable skills. Students are encouraged to be active participants in tutorial discussions and support each other. In class group work is an important tool in relation to employability and enables students to disseminate information to others in a less intimidating environment and they learn from each other. It encourages them to work together as a team and provides opportunities for them to organise meetings outside of the tutorials and take charge of their learning experience, while providing essential skills including employability, resourcefulness, and resilience.

The workshops are active learning sessions which encourage students to develop key transferable professional skills including confidence in public speaking, providing constructive feedback to peers, listening, negotiating, organisational and time management skills.

Students are encouraged to watch additional short recordings and videos to enhance their learning.

Within the first four weeks, there is additional support for students after tutorials where they can ask questions concerning Assessment 1. Students undertake a formative assessment and receive oral feedback. They can meet with tutors to ask questions and discuss any issues they may be experiencing. Students have regular interaction with their peers and academics throughout the semester and they are encouraged to arrange group study sessions in preparation for Assessment 1. Toward the end of the semester, further small group sessions are available to students to help with preparation for the case study and analysis. Students who actively participate in all module activities are successful in all assessments.

 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: LAW0001

Other information

At the University of Surrey School of Law we strive to create an environment where students can learn about the law and its place in the world, in an enjoyable way that reflects the changing nature of society in the 21^st Century.  The School of Law prides itself in its sense of community in which students can acquire the confidence to take future professional and life challenges in their stride.

Employability: This module equips students with essential tools used by lawyers, emphasising regular MCQs to reinforce their understanding. From Week 1, students engage in MCQ tasks that promote independent research, critical thinking, and collaborative discussions. This process involves organising study sessions and booking library rooms, fostering communication, adaptability, and inclusivity. This approach builds mutual trust and confidence, preparing students for excellent working relationships in their future legal careers.

Digital Capabilities: While lectures are in person, students are encouraged to start watching additional materials (some videos by the module convener and others online), to find out more about the topic each week. The first assessment allows students to use their digital skills to complete an MCQ.

Global and Cultural Capabilities: Students on this course discuss many contemporary issues which highlight the diversity between different cultures, religions, and beliefs. They are constantly questioning and listening to alternative opinions and laws, for example, in relation to abortion and assisted suicide. They undertake comparative research to understand why the laws in each country are different and consider whether the law in England and Wales is adequate or should be reformed. This provides an opportunity to interact, communicate and build relationships with students from different cultures and religions. They are encouraged to share experiences and knowledge from their own backgrounds when case study topics are explored.

Sustainability: Contemporary issues in environmental law is a popular topic. The students examine issues in relation to air pollution and climate change and the distinction between procedural and substantive obligations. It includes the case of a 9-year-old student in London who died of air pollution and the resulting legal issues arising from her death; and a lawsuit filed against the Government by climate campaigners for failing to act against climate change. They discuss and debate the importance of environmental law in practice. This module encourages students to actively engage in considerations of the interconnection between the environmental issues and statute and case law. It provides a foundation upon which students can build their knowledge in Levels 4/5/6 (Tort Law and Environmental Law).

Resourcefulness and resilience: The learning, teaching, and assessment strategy for this module is designed to challenge and improve students. Recognising that many students have limited practice with MCQs, we incorporate various formative MCQs throughout. These are designed to build confidence and proficiency progressively. To help students get acquainted, we start with a non-law quiz that acts as an 'icebreaker,' encouraging interaction and conversation. While many students find the first assessment very challenging, the majority excel as they adapt and grow through continuous practice and feedback.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2024/5 academic year.