LA2E3-15 Introduction to French Law
Introductory description
The module has its focus on the contemporary French legal system, its origins, its ideological inspirations and its developments. In the light of these principles, students are introduced to the basics of constitutional law, civil law and administrative law in France.
Module aims
The major aim of the module is to get students acquainted with the materials, methods and linguistic skills necessary for the study of French law and French legal procedure and to enable them to understand and evaluate their relationship to social and political issues.
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.
THE SPIRIT OF FRENCH LAW - A brief study of the French Legal System within its wider European context and differences as compared to Common Law systems.
FRENCH CIVIL LAW - The formation of a contract in French law as set out in the Code civil and developed by the Courts and the rules on Tort law.
AN INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH ADMINISTRATIVE LAW - Defining the term “Administration”; history of the public institutions and administrative courts; administrative contract and administrative liability.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Understand basic concepts and structure of French civil and administrative law
- To understand and use court cases
- Understand the historical and institutional context in which French Constitutional law has developed
- Commenting on French court cases using French law analytical methodology
- Use of French Civil Code
- Ability to identify issues in terms of doctrinal relevance
- Ability to produce clean synthesis of doctrinal evolutions (civil law)(administrative law)
- Understanding and application of French and French Legal terminology both orally and in written work
- Team work - ability to work and communicate in French within a small group.
International
This module, taught in French, focuses on French civil, administrative and constitutional law.
Subject specific skills
Developing knowledge of French administrative and private law
Ability to use French legal materials
Transferable skills
Case analysis
Utilisation of secondary source in formulating a reasoned analysis/argument
Word-processing
Team-working
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 18 sessions of 1 hour (12%) |
| Seminars | 7 sessions of 1 hour (5%) |
| Private study | 100 hours (67%) |
| Assessment | 25 hours (17%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
No private study requirements defined for this module.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group D1
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| French Law Moot | 20% | 4 hours | No |
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Students will have 10 minutes to present their argument and 3 minutes to respond. A skeleton argument should also be submitted in writing to Moodle. |
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Reassessment component |
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| Extended Skeleton Argument | Yes (extension) | ||
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Students have to prepare a written skeleton argument and supplement this with a short written account of the arguments they would make during a moot. |
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Assessment component |
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| Final exam | 80% | 21 hours | No |
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This is a 2hr in-person exam, timetabled locally. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Exam and moot feedback will be provided via Tabula. Generic feedback for the exam provided via Moodle.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 2 of ULAA-M133 Undergraduate Law with French Law