LAWS C1306 - Introduction to Law and Legal Research

Module Title:Introduction to Law and Legal Research
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 10
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 2 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Lectures - communication of knowledge and ideas from the lecturer to the learner. Problem Solving Exercises - learners will work as part of a team and will work together to resolve various legal scenarios. Class Discussion/Debate - Learners will be encouraged to actively participate in the class sessions which will develop their analytical and communication skills. E-Learning - The module will be supported with on-line learning materials. Self-Directed Independent Learning - the emphasis on independent learning will develop a strong and autonomous work and learning practices.
Module Aim: The aim of this module is to introduce learners to the sources and fundamental aspects of Irish law (in a business context) and to provide them with a thorough grounding in legal research and communication skills, enabling them to gather, assemble and competently communicate legal information.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Demonstrate an increased awareness of the general legal environment in which business is carried out and how the law influences decision making in a business context.
LO2 Demonstrate an understanding of the key principles of the main areas of business law and to apply this knowledge to modern business situations.
LO3 Gather, comprehend and analyse legal information from various sources and properly communicate that comprehension in written and verbal form both individually and as part of a team.
LO4 Correctly apply relevant legal theories to problem scenarios/case studies through research, critical analysis and reasoning.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.

No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Legal Research - Sources of Law
Locating the various sources of law -The Constitution -Legislation - The Irish Statute Book – Acts of the Oireachtas and Statutory Instruments -Locating and Understanding Legislation - Common Law/Case Law - Proper use of citation -Finding a case from a citation - Reading and analysing a case - Unreported cases -Determining whether a case has been affected by later authority - EU law - International Law - Scholarly Writings/Journals/Articles, including citation of cases/articles -Electronic sources of law
Legal Communications
Latin and French Terms Commonly Used in Legal Writing. • Writing Letters, Essays, Assignments & Case Notes • Addressing Problem Scenarios • Organization and Presentation of Written Work • Referencing including citations, bibliographies, footnotes, endnotes and plagiarism. • Style of Writing: Accuracy, Relevance & Brevity • Oral and Non-Verbal Communication Skills including presentations
Introduction to Law
Introduction to the Law of Torts • The Nature of Tort. • Causation and Remoteness • Negligence and Contributory Negligence • Vicarious Liability • Product Liability • Occupier’s Liability • Defamation • Defences Introduction to Contract Law • The nature and formation of a contract. • Agreement, intention and consideration. • Form of a Contract. • Terms and exemption clauses. •Capacity to contract. • Electronic Contracts Sale of Goods and Consumer Law • Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 o Main Implied Terms o Effectiveness of Exclusion Clauses • Consumer Protection Act 2007 / 2014 o Main Features o Role of Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Introduction to Employment Law • Contracts of employment – Formation and Terms • Duties of employer and employee. • Protective legislation (maternity leave, parental leave, etc) • Health & Safety Legislation • Employment Equality Legislation • Termination of employment contracts (including unfair dismissal and entitlements on redundancy) • Remedies for breach. Role of the Workplace Relations Commission Data Protection Law • The Data Protection Act 2018 o GDPR and Privacy of Personal data o Rights of Data Subject o Duties of Data Controllers o Role and Powers of Data Commissioner o Offences and Penalties for Breach, • Introduction to Company law, nature of a company, separate legal personality and advantages/disadvantages of incorporation
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment100.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Reflective Journal The learner will complete a reflective piece of work for assessment with appropriate Oxford referencing 2,3 30.00 n/a
Presentation The learner will be required to prepare and deliver an oral presentation on a contemporary legal issue with appropriate Oxford referencing 1,2,3 30.00 n/a
Other In class or take home assessment concerning solving problem scenarios 1,2,3,4 40.00 n/a
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 6.00
Independent Learning 15 Weeks per Stage 11.87
Total Hours 250.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_BBLAW_B Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Business with Law 2 Mandatory
CW_BBLAW_C Higher Certificate in Business with Law 2 Mandatory