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 Dr M Farrell
Law
Michelle.Farrell@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2017-18 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.

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

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

Learning Outcomes

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. 

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

Syllabus

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 Framework 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

Lecture - The lectures provide a broad introduction to the key legal and policy frameworks and the most relevant debates surrounding conflict and security. They provide direction for independent study by framing the required reading and by identifying areas for discussion. The lectures also facilitate student interaction including discussion and questions.

Seminar - The seminars provide a forum for discussion, group work and problem-solving. The seminar discussions enable you to explore topics in more depth and to share your ideas and develop your thinking. In addition, the seminars are used to prepare for assessment. The seminars take place in Weeks 2,4,6,8 and 10. Each seminar is 1.5 hours long

The seminars provide a forum for discussion, group work and problem-solving. The seminar discussions enable you to explore topics in more depth and to share your ideas and develop your thinking. In addition, the seminars are used to prepare for assessment. The seminars take place in Weeks 2,4,6,8 and 10. Each seminar is 1.5 hours long

Other - Drop-In: The drop in session offers the student the opportunity to discuss coursework or anything that has arisen as part of the module on an individual basis with the module leader.

Drop-In: The drop in session offers the student the opportunity to discuss coursework or anything that has arisen as part of the module on an individual basis with the module leader.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12
The lectures provide a broad introduction to the key legal and policy frameworks and the most relevant debates surrounding conflict and security. They provide direction for independent study by framing the required reading and by identifying areas for discussion. The lectures also facilitate student interaction including discussion and questions.
7.5
The seminars provide a forum for discussion, group work and problem-solving. The seminar discussions enable you to explore topics in more depth and to share your ideas and develop your thinking. In addition, the seminars are used to prepare for assessment. The seminars take place in Weeks 2,4,6,8 and 10. Each seminar is 1.5 hours long
      6
Drop-In: The drop in session offers the student the opportunity to discuss coursework or anything that has arisen as part of the module on an individual basis with the module leader.
25.5
Timetable (if known)   The seminars provide a forum for discussion, group work and problem-solving. The seminar discussions enable you to explore topics in more depth and to share your ideas and develop your thinking. In ad
 
      Drop-In: The drop in session offers the student the opportunity to discuss coursework or anything that has arisen as part of the module on an individual basis with the module leader.
 
 
Private Study 124.5
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
Coursework  3,500 words  100  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 Notes (applying to all assessments) The module is assessed through one piece of coursework (100%). For the coursework you are expected to answer one question from a list of three questions provided by the module leader. You will have the opportunity to discuss approaches to the coursework during the final seminar and during the drop in sessions.  

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List:

Other Staff Teaching on this Module

Mr M Shillito Law M.Shillito@liverpool.ac.uk
Ms R Grozdanova Law Rumyana.Grozdanova@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):

None 

Co-requisite modules:

 

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

None

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

Programme:M108 Year:3 Programme:M100 Year:3 Programme:M105 Year:3 Programme:M103 Year:3 Programme:M107 Year:3 Programme:M101 Year:3 Programme:MZ11 Year:3 Programme:M106 Year:3 Programme:MZ04 Year:3 Programme:M102 Year:3 Programme:L000 Year:3

Additional Programme Information