University of London
Introduction to English Common Law
University of London

Introduction to English Common Law

Charlotte Crilly
Eloise Ellis

Instructors: Charlotte Crilly

102,370 already enrolled

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(1,901 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 23 hours
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(1,901 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 23 hours
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course

Details to know

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Assessments

13 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 6 modules in this course

Welcome to the first week of the course. Week 1 is an overview of the English legal system. We will consider the history of the common law, and look at what it means to say that English law is a common law system. We will also explore some important themes in common law.

What's included

7 videos9 readings2 assignments4 discussion prompts

Welcome to the second week of the course. This week will introduce you to the British Constitution and identify its sources. Week 2 will also look at the fundamental constitutional principles which underpin the English Legal System.

What's included

5 videos6 readings2 assignments5 discussion prompts

Welcome to the third week of the course. This week we'll look at how the court system works in England. We'll think about different courts in the system, and also other methods of resolving legal disputes.

What's included

6 videos7 readings2 assignments5 discussion prompts

Welcome to the fourth week of the course. This week will introduce you to statutes or Acts of Parliament, one of the most important sources of English law. Week 4 will cover how statutes are made and the different ways they are interpreted by the courts. You'll also consider whether statutes should be simplified.

What's included

6 videos5 readings3 assignments6 discussion prompts

Welcome to the fifth week of the course. This week we'll explore another key source of English law, case law. You'll be introduced to the doctrine of judicial precedent and the question of judges as law-makers. You'll have the opportunity to read a case yourself and write a case-note.

What's included

5 videos3 readings1 assignment5 discussion prompts

Welcome to the sixth and final week of the course. This week will introduce you to the European Union and to the European Convention on Human Rights. Week 6 will also consider the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on the English Legal System. Although the UK is no longer a member of the European Union and EU law does not have the same impact on English law as it did previously, it will almost certainly contain to exert an influence for some time. It is also interesting to consider the previous effect of EU law on English law, and the relationship to the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty.

What's included

10 videos9 readings3 assignments1 peer review4 discussion prompts

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.8 (624 ratings)
Charlotte Crilly
University of London
1 Course102,370 learners
Eloise Ellis
University of London
1 Course102,370 learners

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