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| DROI2320-1 | Introduction to English Law
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| Duration : | 30h Th |
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| Credits/ECTS : |
| Master in Law, Professional Focus in Business Law, 1st year | | First semester | | 3 |
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| Master in Law, Professional Focus in Business Law, 2nd year | | First semester | | 3 |
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| Master in Law, Professional Focus in Public and Administrative Law, 1st year | | First semester | | 3 |
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| Master in Law, Professional Focus in Public and Administrative Law, 2nd year | | First semester | | 3 |
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| Master in Law, Professional Focus in Private Law, 1st year | | First semester | | 3 |
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| Master in Law, Professional Focus in Private Law, 2nd year | | First semester | | 3 |
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| Master in Law, Professional focus in Criminal Law, 1st year | | First semester | | 3 |
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| Master in Law, Professional focus in Criminal Law, 2nd year | | First semester | | 3 |
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| Master in Law, Professional Focus in Labour Law, 1st year | | First semester | | 3 |
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| Master in Law, Professional Focus in Labour Law, 2nd year | | First semester | | 3 |
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| Holder(s) : | François van der Mensbrugghe |
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| Language : | English language |
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| Course contents : | This introductory course to English law is primarily aimed at students who will be reading law in the United Kingdom later in the academic year. Other students with a keen interest in the subject are also welcome to attend. The course spans the main features of English Law and certain characteristics of Scots law, but due attention is granted to American law as well. In terms of substance, particular emphasis is placed on the meaning of judicial precedent and common law reasoning. The current meaning and relevance behind the dichotomy the Common Law and Equity is developed with an historical overview and an analysis of different common law and equitable remedies. With a view to understanding recent constitutional developments in the United Kingdom, the course highlights cases that have been delivered since the enactment of the Human Rights Act 1998 which incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into the law of the United Kingdom. The course also discusses the existence of "constitutional statutes", the issue of "devolution" (towards Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland), as well as reform of the House of Lords and attempts to reform the status of the Monarchy. The awkward relationship between English law and EC law is also dealt with. With a view to understanding recent constitutional developments in the United States, the course highlights the role of the United States Supreme Court, the delicate quest for a balance of power between the Federal government and the States, as well as recent cases delivered by the United States Supreme Court concerning habeas corpus, military commissions, and the Bush doctrine after September 11.
The course is given in a combination of lecture and seminar form. Students are invited to read cases in advance and encouraged to participate. Course material and the final exam are in English. |
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| Course objective : | See above. |
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| Prerequisites : | Students are requested to have an average command of the English language. The entire course, and the exam, are given in English. |
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| Workshops : | -- |
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| Organization : | The course is given during the first semester, on Monday afternoons, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Classes take place in the "Weber" Auditorium, the first class being given on Monday, 21 September.
Prior to the first class, an information meeting is due to take place on Tuesday, 15 September (check the bulletin boards for the venue and time). |
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| Written notes : | A case-book should be available at the beginning of the course.
In addition, the course is based on extensive usage of a Powerpoint presentation, available on the website of the University ("myULg") as the course unfolds. |
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| Assessment : | The form of the exam is an oral examination, lasting circa 20 minutes and based on three questions. One question is based on a case analyzed in class.
Upon appointment, a special exam may be organized for those foreign students who would have difficulty taking exams during the Belgian exam session. |
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| Contacts : | fvdmensbrugghe@ulg.ac.be |
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| Remarks : | -- |
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