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 SECURITY, CONFLICT AND THE LAW
Code LAW320
Coordinator Professor M Farrell
Law
Michelle.Farrell@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To introduce students to relevant legal and policy frameworks - domestic and international - through which to understand contemporary security challenges, particularly in the context of the United Kingdom.

To challenge students to realise the interconnection between distinct bodies of law, such as, international human rights law, constitutional and administrative law, criminal law and immigration law in the context of counter-terrorism and national security.

To prepare students to understand critically such concepts as terrorism, counter-terrorism, national security and state of emergency.

To enable students to explore the wider context of conflict and security challenges, historically, socially and conceptually.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to identify relevant domestic and international legal and policy frameworks and explain how these frameworks operate in periods of crisis, for example, in the context of national security and counter-terrorism.

(LO2) Students will be able to problematize and discuss in a critical light various terms associated with national security and counter-terrorism, for example, the definition and concept of terrorism.

(LO3) Students will be able to demonstrate a detailed understanding of the history and genesis of emergency powers and be capable of discussing how such powers have been used in the United Kingdom and how they relate to contemporary counter-terrorism.

(LO4) Students should be able to understand, analyse and evaluate national and international strategies for dealing with conflict and security challenges, such as the challenge posed by terrorism.

(LO5) Students should be capable of reflecting on the future and the value of human rights in facing challenges to security.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification


Syllabus

 

This syllabus is subject to small changes - see the module handbook

Introduction: Syllabus, Key Themes of the Module, Learning Resources

Part I:
The UK National Security Legal Framework: Anti-Terrorism laws, policies, practices

The definition of terrorism in the UK

Impact of counter-terrorism on human rights and civil liberties:

Detention and due process; freedom of expression; impact of surveillence on the right to privacy (case studies subject to change)

Judicial Review including the impact of the Human Rights Act and European Law on domestic law and practices

Part II:
The history and genesis of special/emergency powers in times of conflict or national security crisis

Martial Law, Emergency Powers and the Colonies

The Conflict in Northern Ireland

What is an Emergency? States of Emergency Provisions in International Human Rights Conventions

Part III: 
International Legal Fr amework for Counter-Terrorism

The globalisation of conflict, terrorism and counter-terrorism

What is Security? What is Terrorism?

This syllabus is subject to small changes - see the module handbook


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 (e.g. quizzes etc) so as to enhance student engagement. Synchronous sessions will run on a fortnightly pattern across the semester (i.e. 6 in total) and will each have a duration of 2 hours.

Module Delivery
This will be via combination of asynchronous and synchronous sessions for all UG modules 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 24
 
90 mins X 1 totaling 4.5
 
         
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
For the coursework essay, you are expected to answer one question from a list of three questions which will be provided by the module co-ordinator.    90       
Blog post - 800 words    10       

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

 

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