Public Law seeks to:

- explore the nature and functions of constitutional and administrative law;
- provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and institutions of the UK constitution;
- identify and analyse selected key issues that are of critical importance to the UK’s system of public law;
- enable students to develop a range of core legal and transferable skills, and become effective independent learners.

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of, and the ability to analyse critically, the law, practice, principles, institutions, and theory of the UK constitution

(LO2) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of, and the ability to analyse critically, the laws, policies and theories relating administrative law and human rights in the UK

(LO3) Engage in debate and in written argument regarding contentious legal and political issues

(LO4) Demonstrate the ability to consult, engage with, and respond to feedback

(LO5) Appreciate the wider political significance of Public Law

(LO6) Apply their knowledge to hypothetical situations

(S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Synthesis

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S6) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

(S7) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S8) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Influencing skills – argumentation

(S9) Information skills - Evaluation

(S10) Research skills - All Information skills

(S11) Improving own learning/performance - Reflective practice

1. Law and Government: Sources and Institutions of Public Law
2. Characteristics of the UK Constitution
3. Parliamentary Sovereignty
4. Constitutional Reform
5. Judicial Review 1 (eg purpose and process)
6. Judicial Review 2 (eg grounds and remedies)
7. Human Rights
8. Political Accountability

*We envisage having one seminar on each of these topics, along with associated lectures – topics 1-4 would provisionally be covered in semester 1, topics 5-8 would provisionally be covered in semester 2.

We plan to rationalise the curriculum by combining topics across Public Law I and II – eg rule of law can be taught in connection with JR/HRs, ombudsmen can be taught in a slimmed down political accountability. We will remove other standalone topics like separation of powers (Public I) and tribunals (Public II).

Teaching Method 1
Lecture
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: The core content of the syllabus will be covered in 40 x 1hr per week of lectures.

Teaching Method 2
Tutorial
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Students will attend 8 x 1.5 hour tutorials. They will be required to answer set questions having undertaken study and research on focused areas covered in lectures.

Teaching Method 3
Workshop
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Students will attend 4 x 1 hour workshops. The purpose of the workshop is to consolidate learning and practice application of the law.