Law School Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title FAMILY LAW
Code LAW316
Coordinator Professor HE Stalford
Law
Stalford@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

Provide students with an introduction to key aspects of family law in England and Wales in the context of both public and private proceedings;
To explore how the law defines ‘family’;
To highlight the extent to which the law accommodates different family forms and interpersonal relationships in the light of cultural, religious and social variables;
To consider the impact of human rights on the development and interpretation of family law;
To critically examine key features of and developments in family law in England and Wales, including an analysis of the ongoing family justice review and key judicial decisions;
To critically examine the role and limitations of the state in regulating family relationships, including an analysis of the interplay between state welfare provision and the organisation of private family life.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Have acquired a detailed understanding of legal instruments and processes governing family law in England and Wales

(LO2) Be able to apply legal instruments to practical scenarios

(LO3) Be able to determine individuals' rights in family law matters, particularly the rights of vulnerable and socially/legally marginalised groups (ex. Children; same sex couples; ethnic minorities).

(LO4) Have gained a critical perspective of key legal and policy developments in family law and be able to suggest areas for development and reform;

(LO5) Be able to appreciate the relationship between social policy/state welfare provision and the development of family law.

(LO6) Understand the impact of human rights on the interpretation and application of family law

(S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Synthesis

Syllabus
 

Introduction: What is Family and Family Law? Principles and Concepts
- Becoming Parents: Parentage, Parenthood and Parental Responsibility
- Forming Families: Marriage, Civil Partnership
- Relationship Breakdown: Divorce and Dissolution
- Arrangements for Children (private law)
- Family Finances: Child Support and Division of Assets on Divorce
- Child Protection
- Adoption
- Gender and Family Justice: Legal Aid, Mediation and Human Rights

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Patterns
Learning and teaching on this module will be structured in accordance with the principles of Hybrid Active Learning with asynchronous materials and synchronous seminar sessions. Asynchronous recordings provide material previously addressed in physical lectures, suitably broken down (‘chunking’) and augmented so as to enhance student engagement.

Module Delivery
This will be via a combination of asynchronous and synchronous sessions as above (i.e. Hybrid Active Learning).

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 22

 12

         34
Timetable (if known) 120 mins X 1 totaling 22
  		120 mins X 1 totaling 12
  		         
Private Study 116
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
20% seminar group presentations: - 10% of module grade for actively participating in preparation of 4 question plans (evidenced by work uploaded to Canvas) - 10% of module grade for participation in      20       
80% open book exam - Answer any 2 questions out of a choice of 4 (2 essay; 2 Problem Question) (students will be expected to write a minimum of 1,500 words per question)      80       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Other Staff Teaching on this Module
Dr A Carline Law A.Carline@liverpool.ac.uk
Dr D Griffiths Law Danielle.Griffiths@liverpool.ac.uk

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:
 

Additional Programme Information