Introductory description

This module focuses on the role of law in the implementation of ideas and policies concerned with the ownership, use and development of land.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Introduction to the module - introduces the basic ideas, themes and problems that are expanded upon in later sections of the course. It also introduces some of the basic vocabulary of land law (e.g. "legal" and "equitable" rights, "freehold" and "leasehold" estates) and provides an opportunity to develop some core legal skills (e.g. reading cases and statutes). The introduction includes a contextual overview of the importance
of property in law and political philosophy.
Boundaries - considers the extent to which the law allows access to neighbouring land.
Land Transactions - examines the formal methods of creating and transferring interests in land.
Finance of Land Transactions - investigates the legal issues surrounding the arrangements used to finance the acquisition of interests in land.
Methods of Protecting Rights in Land - considers the development and application of the systems (Land Charges
Registration and Land Registration) used to provide protection for interests in land.
Family Occupation Rights in Land - explores informal methods of creating rights in land, particularly in the context of family living arrangements.
Trusts of Land - analyses the use of the trust concept in the co-ownership of land.
Easements - considers the rights of landowners to use and to prevent others from using land.
Covenants - compares the development of public and private law techniques in controlling the use and development of land.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand basic concepts and structure of English land law and able to understand and use primary legal material
• Analyse, evaluate and form critical judgements on individual cases/statutory provisions, analyse form critical judgements on a series of linked materials on a discreet topic
• More advanced (understand at undergraduate degree level) key doctrinal and policy issues through reading primary materials and secondary texts
• Understand the social, political and economic context in which property rights exist and legal decisions are made
• Application of English Law to hypothetical cases relating to property issues
• Work independently to gain understanding of materials/issues in property law without explanatory lectures
• Understand the language of property law, be able to speak and write about property law with accurate use of specific terms
• Work collaboratively to complete defined task within a limited time
• Use internet to access module materials

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

No subject specific skills defined for this module.

Transferable skills

No transferable skills defined for this module.