Legal English

Terminology and textual analysis

  The aim of the Legal English course is to introduce law students to a broad range of legal texts that will assist them in their academic and professional undertakings. The method of the course goes beyond mere translation and the memorizing of lists of vocabulary. It is meant to provide an introductory understanding of the legal culture of the English-speaking world (Common Law) so that students may convey their understanding in a non-English speaking context. In order to achieve this objective, students are invited to read a vast array of texts taken from the Common Law (and specifically the English and American legal environments). Besides judicial decisions and statutory instruments, the material comprises academic writings as well as law reports taken from leading English newspapers. In addition to a hard-copy, reading material will be accessible on-line (E-reading).

Practice

This course aims to help students to improve their speaking skills in legal and academic English.

Seven modules have been designed to make students interact orally in an academic setting, give presentations, express their views, and to exchange arguments and negotiate outcomes.

Terminology and textual analysis

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1). convey the meaning of a Common Law judgment in their native language;

2). write a short note in Legal English;

3). command the structure of the court system in the United States and the United Kingdom, in addition to understanding the main features of Civil Procedure in both countries;

4). discuss and analyze several key areas of contemporary legal debate (current and developing trends) in the English-speaking world.

Practice

The objective CEFR level of this course is B2+.

At the end of this class, students will have improved their discourse management skills in a legal and academic environment. Among other things, they will be able to:

- take and give the floor,

- acquire information,

- use linking words and transitional expressions appropriately,

- present and defend their opinions,

- debate by expressing agreement, disagreeement, and concession,

- negotiate an outcome, or

- explain legal terms.

Terminology and textual analysis

Students are kindly requested to have a "reasonable" command of the English language. Those students who feel they have a "below average" command of English are kindly invited to make this known at the outset of the course.    

Practice

This course is a follow-up of the level 1 course "Legal and general English" (LANG0051).

Terminology and textual analysis

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1). convey the meaning of a Common Law judgment in their native language;

2). write a short note in Legal English;

3). command the structure of the court system in the United States and the United Kingdom, in addition to understanding the main features of Civil Procedure in both countries;

4). discuss and analyze several key areas of contemporary legal debate (current and developing trends) in the English-speaking world.

Practice

Regular attendance and active participation are requested.

Terminology and textual analysis

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

Given during the first semester, classes take place on Tuesday evenings, from 4:45 pm to 6:45 pm (02 - Thiry - Opéra).

The first class will take place on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.    

Practice

Face-to-face course


Further information:

This course consists of in-class sessions.

Terminology and textual analysis

The texts will be made available through a case-book (accessible online as well: E-reading).

Besides the texts themselves, the entire course is based on extensive usage of a Powerpoint presentation, available on the website of the course.

Practice

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
- MyULiège


Further information:

The textbook will be available on e-campus in due time.

Terminology and textual analysis

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam


Further information:

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )


Additional information:

The form of the exam is a two-hour written examination comprising:

• four comprehension questions (answers in French)
• a commentary ("case brief") of a judgment in English, analyzed in class (answer in English);
• the translation and commentary ("case brief") of a judgment in English, that was not analyzed in class (translation from the English into French, case brief in French). Two points will be taken off the final grade of students who do not translate the text.

Practice

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam


Further information:

The assessment will consist of an oral exam. It will take place during the June exam session. More information about the registration to the oral exam will be posted on MyULiège and eCampus in due time.

Second language supplement

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam


Further information:

The exam for this partim will take place at the same time as the practice oral exam. The students will have to use the vocabulary and the discourse management skills seen in class in order to talk about a legal topic. More information will be posted in due time.

Terminology and textual analysis

See above, Mode of delivery.

Practice

Regarding the use of language-generating artificial intelligence:

Unless specific instructions are given by the teacher within the framework of well-defined activities, the ULiège Charter on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Academic Work applies.

Terminology and textual analysis

fvdmensbrugghe@uliege.be

Professor van der Mensbrugghe occupies a shared office at the Law School (next to room "Séminaire 1"). Due to his rare presence in his office, students are kindly requested to contact him by e-mail.

Practice

Frédéric Depas - F.Depas@uliege.be
Caroline Hougardy - C.Hougardy@uliege.be
Estelle Oger - estelle.oger@uliege.be
Mercyline Rayola Orodo - MR.Orodo@uliege.be
Audrey Renson - Audrey.Renson@uliege.be

Coordination: Estelle Oger

Terminology and textual analysis

1st Topic: Courts, Power, and Guns in the United States
An overview of the court system, the gun culture, and the apportionment opf power in the United States.

2nd Topic: Criminal Law and Procedure in the United States
The powerpoint presentation corresponding to the second theme.

3rd Topic: Qualified Immunity in the United States
Two cases on the subject of qualified immunity in the United States (the police often get away with it....).

4th Topic: Contract Law in the United States
Two main themes developed under the heading of Contract Law in the United States: consideration and unconscionability.

5th Topic: Tort Law in the United States
Three cases on the law of torts in the United States.

6th Topic: Family law in the U.K.
Three cases (one of which is Canadian) on Family Law.

7th Topic: Human Rights in the U.K.
Several cases concerning human rights in the U.K.

8th Topic: Precedent and Equity in the U.K.
A singular application of precedent and equity in the U.K.

Complete Casebook
The electronic version of the casebook in one go.

Last words
Course overview and simple exam advice.

Sample Exam (January 2024)
A sample exam questionnaire (January 2024) so that students take stock of what they're headed for.