Description
This module concentrates on the fundamental areas of Scots law and relevant areas of UK law and retained EU law. The foundation for the study of any law subject is an understanding of the 'legal system' in general. After examining the nature and sources of law, the module then proceeds to consider contract, delict, and degree-specific legal contexts.
Aims
To examine the fundamental principles of law and the legal framework in Scotland and the UK.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of legal systems in the context of Scotland and be able to differentiate civil and criminal law and terminology.
2. Apply, in response to defined problems, the fundamental principles of the Scots law of obligations.
3. Apply the main principles in context.
4. Demonstrate skills of comprehension and application of legal principle.
Indicative Content
1 Legal Systems
The nature of law; the distinction between civil and criminal law; sources of law; the structure of the courts; impact of EU law on Scots law.
2 Contract
Nature and formation; essential features and validity; terms of the contract; breach of contract; extinction of contractual obligations.
3 Delict
Nature of delict; culpa and negligence; strict and vicarious liability; Consumer Rights legislation; defences to an action in delict.
4 Employment law and Business Organisations (Business Students and Sports students only)
Nature of employment and contractual relationship; unfair and wrongful dismissal; health and safety in the workplace. Business Organisations and legal framework - Law of Agency, Partnerships and Company law.
5 Employment law and Food Law (Food students only)
Nature of employment and contractual relationship; unfair and wrongful dismissal; health and safety in the workplace. Nature of Food law in UK and retained EU law; food inspection regimes; food crime; labelling.
6 Criminal Law ( Criminology students only)
Principles of Scots criminal law. Requirements for mens rea and actus reus and causation. An introduction to the main features of selected crimes against the person such as homicide and assault. Selected defences to crimes against the person. Exculpating and mitigating factors.
Teaching and Learning Work Loads
| Teaching and Learning Method | Hours |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Tutorial/Seminar | 0 |
| Practical Activity | 22 |
| Assessment | 40 |
| Independent | 114 |
| Total | 200 |
Guidance notes
SCQF Level - The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.
Credit Value – The total value of SCQF credits for the module. 20 credits are the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits. A full-time student should normally register for 60 SCQF credits per semester.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate but it is possible that some changes may occur prior to the academic year of entry. The modules listed in this catalogue are offered subject to availability during academic year 2021/22 , and may be subject to change for future years.
