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Law and French Degree, School of Law, Trinity College Dublin
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Bachelor in Law and French

Course Overview

With continuing European integration and an increasing globalisation of legal matters, there is a need for lawyers with a trans-national education. The Law and French degree course in Trinity College Dublin satisfies these needs as students graduate with a grounding in Irish law, fluent in a second European language and with a thorough knowledge of the legal system of France and a real insight and knowledge of the general culture, political, economic and sociological make-up of France. Law and a language students study a slightly modified course, thus enabling them to combine the study of law with that of their chosen language. During the first two years of the course they study four law subjects per year, as well as integrated language, civilisation and French law courses. Students are also prepared for the third year abroad studying legal or legal related subjects at a University in France. The language component of each programme is integrated so that language skills are developed in the context of studying the general, as well as the specifically legal, culture of the country concerned. The Law and French programme is taught over four years.

Special Entry Requirements: HC1 French Leaving Certificate
Grade C French Advanced GCE (A-Level)

Programme Structure

In the Freshman (first two) years you will study a variety of legal modules. In each semester, you will have two Irish law modules, with three hours of lectures in each per week. These law modules (also taught on the LL.B. degree programme) include The Irish legal system, Torts, Constitutional law I, Criminal law, Contract law, Land law, Private law remedies and statutes and regulatory law. These lectures are complemented by compulsory law seminars (4 per module) and modules in legal skills in the Junior Freshman (first) year and mooting (mock trials) in the Senior Freshman (second) year. Law and language students also study the constitutional and civil law of their chosen jurisdiction. Alongside their law modules, students take integrated modules on language and civilisation, covering aspects of sociology, legal systems and politics. Lectures, tutorials and listening comprehension work are all involved.

Junior Freshman (1st Year) Modules

Law Modules

French Modules

Senior Freshman (2nd Year) Modules

Law Modules

French Modules

Junior Sophister Year (3rd Year)

Senior Sophister Year (4th Year)

Students must take 55 ECTS worth of Law modules (or in place of a law module they may substitute a French module or Broad Curriculum module). For details of Law Modules please consult the LL.B. Sophister Modules page

  • French Report Writing 2 (Semester 2: French Department) (5 ECTS)

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French Law Modules

Students please note, for information on all French Department modules, students are advised to check their website.

Junior Freshman French Law Modules

French Constitutional Law : History and Theory (LA1022) 5 ECTS

This module provides students’ first introduction to French constitutional law. It equips students with the theoretical framework which will subsequently enable them to understand and analyse the choices made in contemporary French constitutional law. This first module introduces key terms, concepts and ideas relating to constitutional law and constitutionalism. Key ideas addressed include the separation of powers, democracy, rule of law, the hierarchy of norms and the legitimacy of power. These concepts are examined in the light of French constitutional history, beginning with the insights of influential enlightenment philosophers prior to the French Revolution. The module traces and evaluates France’s remarkable pattern of experimentation with different approaches to constitutional law, from the end of the Ancien Régime to the beginning of the Fifth Republic, in order to allow students to evaluate the practical application as well as the theoretical merits of the philosophical ideas discussed.

The module is taught through French in an interactive classroom setting of approximately 18 students. Students are expected actively to participate in class as well as completing homeworks as set, conducting independent study and completing assignments.

Learning Outcomes:

Having successfully completed this module, students should be able to:

  • Identify and explain the key ideas and principles which inform constitutional law
  • Relate the constitutional choices made by different French regimes to the ideas and values underpinning them
  • Critically assess and debate constitutional ideas and approaches in the light of both constitutional theory and their historical evolution in France
  • Comprehend and summarise law lectures delivered through French
  • Develop and use French legal vocabulary appropriately
  • Apply French language skills to participate in oral class discussion of constitutional law and theory
  • Locate, understand and synthesise relevant materials available in course materials, online and in textbooks in the library
  • Research and write short original assignments in French on French constitutional history and thought
  • Incorporate comparative law perspectives and perspectives relating to French society and the French legal system with analysis of French constitutional history

Teaching:

2 hours of lectures per week in the second semester

Assessment:

Examination (1 x 1 hour paper) - 50% and Oral Presentation - 50%

Lecturer:

Dr. Niamh Connolly

 

French Constitutional Law: The Fifth Republic (LA1021) 10 ECTS

This module involves a detailed study of modern French constitutional law under the Fifth Republic. It explores and analyses the rules established by the Constitution of 1958 as manifestations of the major choices and themes of substantive French Constitutional law. Particular attention is paid to the specificities of the current French constitutional regime. Specific topics include the fundamental principles of the Fifth Republic, the organs of government, the legislative process, the revision of the constitution and the constitutionality of laws. Important themes such as the separation of powers, the nature of democracy and the hierarchy of norms, first introduced in French Constitutional Law I, are applied to the analysis of the Fifth Republic in French Constitutional Law II. Building on the conceptual understanding developed in the previous module, this module furnishes students with an understanding of contemporary French public law in preparation for their Junior Sophister year at a French university.

The module is taught through French in an interactive classroom setting of approximately 18 students. Students are expected actively to participate in class as well as completing homeworks as set, conducting independent study and completing assignments.

Learning Outcomes:

Having successfully completed this module, students should be able to:

  • Identify and explain the key principles and rules of modern French constitutional law under the Fifth Republic
  • Make connections between different specific constitutional rules and larger theoretical issues and themes
  • Critically assess and debate current constitutional rules, choices and principles in the light of constitutional theory and their historical evolution
  • Compare and contrast the constitutional law of the Fifth Republic with other constitutional systems existing in history or in other jurisdictions
  • Apply French language skills to participate in oral class discussion of substantive French constitutional law
  • Comprehend and summarise law lectures delivered through French
  • Develop and use French legal vocabulary appropriately
  • Investigate topics in French constitutional law, including using the French law textbooks available in the library to research specific questions
  • Incorporate comparative law perspectives and perspectives relating to French society and the French legal system to analysis of contemporary French constitutional law

Teaching:

2 hours of lectures per week in the second semester

Assessment:

Examination (1 x 1 hour paper) - 50% and Essay - 50%

Lecturer:

Dr. Niamh Connolly

 

French Legal System (LA1018) (5 ECTS)

This module, taught through French, introduces Law and French students to the French legal system and its specificities. It addresses theoretical questions as to the French conception of law, as well as more practical topics such as the branches of law, sources of law, the role of the judge and the authority of legal decisions, the courts structure, the legal profession, the trial and proof.

Learning Outcomes:
Having successfully completed this module, students should be able to:

  • Comprehend and summarise law lectures delivered through French
  • Use relevant legal terminology appropriately
  • Participate in discussions relating to the French legal system through French
  • Identify and explain the key principles and rules governing the French legal system
  • Critically assess the principles underpinning the French legal system
  • Discuss and debate topical legal issues
  • Compare and contrast the French and Irish legal systems

Teaching:

2 hours of lectures per week in HT

Assessment:

Continuous Assessment (30%: MCQ and short answer questions) and Examination (70%: Oral exam)

Lecturer:

Mr Julien Sterck

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Senior Freshman Modules TO FOLLOW

French Civil Law 1: Foundations of Private Law (LA1207) 5 ECTS

This module introduces students to the study of French private law, concentrating in particular on the French Civil Code. It is designed both to deepen students’ understanding of the French legal system and to equip participants with the foundation of knowledge and skills necessary for the study of French private law during their Junior Sophister year in France. The module explores the principles underpinning the French legal system, including topics such as the Civil Code in historical context, codification, sources of law and the fundamental principles reflected in the Code. The module also features an introduction to French property law, including the classification of property, the nature and extent of ownership, possession, the acquisition of property and legal remedies to defend property rights.

This module is taught through French in an interactive classroom setting of approximately 18 students. Students are expected actively to participate in class as well as completing homeworks as set, conducting independent study and completing assignments.

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module, students should be able to:

  • Identify and explain the key principles and rules underpinning modern French civil law
  • Explain the principles and philosophies which influence these legal rules
  • Outline the historical context for codification in France
  • Engage in a sophisticated discussion of civilian legal systems
  • Critically analyse and evaluate the French Civil Code
  • Evaluate the importance of other sources of law in French private law
  • Identify, explain and apply relevant provisions of the French Civil Code
  • Read and understand French legal decisions on civil law topics
  • Use the French Civil Code and case law to discover the legal rules applicable to particular questions
  • Employ problem-solving skills to apply the rules and principles of French civil law to practical problems
  • Incorporate comparative law perspectives where appropriate to analysis of French civil law
  • Discuss the distinctive features of French private law in light of French society, the French legal system and French constitutional thought
  • Comprehend and summarise lectures on private law topics delivered through French
  • Apply language skills to communicate clearly and effectively about French civil law in oral discussions and presentations and written assignments
  • Conduct independent research on French civil law, using both primary and secondary materials available in the library and online
  • Develop and structure original legal analysis
  • Work in a team on a group research assignment

Teaching:

2 hours of lectures per week in MT

Assessment:

Group Project Assignment -30% and Examination (1 hour) - 70%

Lecturer:

Dr. Niamh Connolly

 

French Civil Law 2: Law of Obligations (LA1208) 5 ECTS

This module follows on from students’ study of the Civil Code in Michaelmas Term and engages in depth with the law of obligations in France. It engages with both the theory and principles which underpin the law of obligations and the specific rules through which these values find expression. The law of obligations includes both contract and tort law. The key elements of contractual obligations studied include fundamental principles, consent and the autonomy of the will, capacity, the formation of a contract, conditions of validity, mistake, misrepresentation, duress, inequality/lésion, privity, the effect of a contract and remedies for breach. The aspects of tortious or non-contractual obligations addressed include fundamental principles, damage, causation, liability for fault, responsibility for the act of an object or another person, defences, remedies and special statutory regimes. In addition to providing a strong grounding in the law of obligations, including both theory and concrete rules, the study of these specific legal topics in depth will enhance students’ understanding of how private law works in a civilian legal system, and how to research the law and apply it to concrete questions.


The module is taught through French in an interactive classroom setting of approximately 18 students. Students are expected actively to participate in class as well as completing homeworks as set, conducting independent study and completing assignments.

Learning Outcomes:

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

  • Identify and explain the key values and philosophical ideas which underpin the law of obligations and relate these to the values underpinning the Civil Code more generally
  • Support discussion of French civil law by an accurate understanding of the rules which govern contract and tort
  • Identify, explain and apply relevant provisions of the French Civil Code
  • Critically analyse and evaluate the rules of the French law of obligations
  • Discuss the relative importance of sources of law in France in light specifically of case law relating to obligations
  • Use the French Civil Code and case law to identify and understand the legal rules applicable to particular questions
  • Employ problem-solving skills to apply the rules and principles of French civil law to practical problems
  • Read and understand French legal decisions on the law of obligations
  • Conduct independent research on French civil law, using both primary and secondary materials available in the library and online
  • Develop and structure original legal analysis
  • Incorporate comparative law perspectives where appropriate to analysis of French civil law
  • Discuss the distinctive features of French private law in light of French society, the French legal system and French constitutional thought
  • Comprehend and summarise lectures on private law topics delivered through French
  • Apply language skills to communicate clearly and effectively about French civil law in oral discussions and presentations and written assignments

Teaching:

2 hours of lectures per week in HT

Assessment:

Essay -50% and Examination (1 hour) - 50%

Lecturer:

Dr. Niamh Connolly

 

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French Legal Methods (LA1209) (5 ECTS)

It is essential that students be prepared for the substantially different methodology employed in French legal studies before they go abroad for their Junior Sophister year. This module, taught through French, includes the introduction of key terminology and the specific requirements relative to French legal exercises. It mainly focuses on the instruction and practice in reading and summarising legal decisions (fiches d’arrêt) as well as the structuring of essays and commentaries (dissertations, commentaires de texte, commentaries d’arrêt).

Learning Outcomes:
Having successfully completed this module, students should be able to:

  • Use and apply relevant legal terminology
  • Write clear and accurate French
  • Research, use and properly attribute appropriate sources to support arguments
  • Apply the specific structure of the French legal essay to develop critical arguments on legal issues
  • Read and explain French legal decisions
  • Identify the issues raised in new decisions within the context of acquired legal knowledge
  • Summarise French legal decisions according to the structure of the fiche d’arrêt.

Teaching:

2 hours of lectures per week in Hilary Term

Assessment:

Continuous Assessment (30%: Fiche d’arrêt and plan détaillé) and Examination (70%: 1 hour examination paper)

Lecturer:

Mr. Julien Sterck

 

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Senior Sophister Year

Senior Sophister Modules

Students must take 55 ECTs worth of law modules (or may substitute a French module or Broad Curriculum module in place of a law module). for information on Law modules please consult the LLB Sophister Modules page.

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FR 4009 - 5 ECTS (French Department)

 

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Programme Outcomes

Having successfully completed this programme, students should be able to:

  • demonstrate a high level of oral, aural and written proficiency in the French language, including the ability to give oral presentations on and to discuss freely general and legal topics, and to produce a variety of written text types in the target language to a high standard of accuracy and fluency;
  • integrate critical linguistic and cultural awareness with the appropriate knowledge and strategies to deal creatively and ethically with challenges in communication in social and professional settings;
  • evaluate critically, the legal environment and institutions of the countries where the target language is spoken and to place these in their historical context;
  • evaluate, synthesise and present legal arguments in a structured, reasoned and coherent way in both written and oral modes in the target language;
  • demonstrate a capacity for critical reflection and judgement in the light of evidence and argument;
  • Work effectively as an individual and in teams in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural settings;
  • Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability and independence in order to engage productively with a changing social, cultural and technological environment and with a capacity to move effectively within and between cultures.
  • Identify, formulate and address key research questions through the design and execution of individual projects
  • Show that they have acquired the learning skills necessary to update their knowledge and to undertake further study with a high degree of autonomy.

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European Credit Transfers

Students reading for any law degree at Trinity College Dublin must study 240 ECTs over the duration of the four years. Generally this entails 60 ECTs per year. The breakdown of credits for Law and Language students differs from other degrees, due in part to the compulsory year abroad. Students on these programmes will complete their 240 ECTS over the four year period but each year does not carry equal credits.

The ECTS weighting for a module is a measure of the student input or workload required for that module, based on factors such as the number of contact hours, the number and length of written or verbally presented assessment exercises, class preparation and private study time, classes, and examinations. There is no intrinsic relationship between the credit volume of a module and its level of difficulty.

In Trinity College Dublin, 1 ECTS unit is defined as 20-25 hours of student input so a 10-credit module will be designed to require 200-250 hours of student input including class contact time, private study and assessments.

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Course Contacts

Course Director (Law): Dr. Niamh Connolly; Telephone (01) 896 3670; Email: law.and.french@tcd.ie

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Last updated 7 January 2013 by School of Law (Email).

Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2.
Central Switchboard: +353 1 896 1000.