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

In the main, the course involves reading a significant number of legal texts in English. All texts will be made available online (E-reading). Exercises will also be given (some of which may involve writing in English).

Practice

Regular attendance and active participation are requested.

Terminology and textual analysis

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

Given during the first semester, classes take place on Tuesday evenings, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm (02 - Thiry - Opéra).

The first class will take place on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.

Practice

Face-to-face course


Additional 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

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


Additional 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);

Practice

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam


Additional information:

The assessment will consist of an oral exam. It will take place during the June exam session.

Terminology and textual analysis

See above, Mode of delivery.

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
Kevin Heyeres - k.heyeres@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

Contract Law (USA)
Powerpoint developments relating to the U.S. court system and U.S. Contract Law (unconscionability)

Documents on Contract Law
Formation of contract (Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball Co.) and frustration (Chandler v. Webster).

Family Law (England + Canada)
Several cases on Family Law.

Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA 1998) - English Law
Four cases on HRA 1998.

Introduction + English Contract Law
The basics of the English legal system + two cases.

Legal Formalism
Powerpoint developments relating to Gale v. Gale.

Legal Formalism: Gale v. Gale (the case)
The case Gale v. Gale (handout distributed in class)

Precedent in English Law
Precedent iin Englsh Law.

Qualified Immunity
Powerpoint presentation related to the issue of qualified immunity in the United States.

Tort Law (USA)
Powerpoint presentation relating to three cases on the law of torts in the United States.