LAU11511 Foundations Of Law I

Learning Outcomes    

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

• Identify and critically analyse the various sources of law in the Irish system and the relationship between them, and in particular the role of the superior courts in the creation of binding precedent  

• Engage in effective legal research both in the Library and online;  

• Demonstrate the effective use of practical techniques for solving legal problems;  

• Apply basic legal writing skills when completing assignments;  

• Critically evaluate access to justice within the Irish legal system. 

Module Content  

This module introduces junior Fresh students to the key features of the Irish legal system and to aspects of legal skills. The module considers various aspects of the legal system including the sources of law, the Irish court system and the principles of stare decisis (rules of precedent) within the common law. It also seeks to locate the Irish legal system more broadly within the system of legal families.  Finally, it seeks to consider some of the overarching values of the Irish legal system, with specific reference to the role of international human rights in this regard.  Overall, it aims to attune students to the political, social and economic context of the Irish legal system, and to that end, particular emphasis is placed on current developments that may affect its operation.   

The module also seeks to equip students with the basic skills required for the study of law. It introduces students to legal research and reasoning and provides practical training in essay writing and legal problem solving.   

The module provides students with an opportunity for structured reflection on learning. It aims to orient students to third level education by heightening awareness of approaches to learning and fostering effective strategies for the study of law.