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Introduction to English Common Law

Approx. 20 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course provides an introduction to common law, the legal system used in many English-speaking countries. Students will learn the basics of common law, including its history, principles, and procedures.

Key Learning Points

Understand the origins and principles of common law
Learn how common law differs from civil law systems
Explore the roles of judges, juries, and lawyers in the common law system

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

- USA: $35,000 - $50,000
- USA: $35,000 - $50,000
- USA: $40,000 - $60,000
- USA: $35,000 - $50,000
- USA: $40,000 - $60,000
- USA: $60,000 - $90,000

Learning Outcomes

Understand the key principles and concepts of common law
Develop critical thinking and analytical skills related to legal reasoning
Gain knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of legal professionals

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

No prior legal knowledge is required
Basic understanding of English is recommended

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

Online
Self-paced
Video lectures

Similar Courses

Introduction to Civil Law
Legal Writing

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Richard Posner
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

Related Books

Description

The common law of England and Wales is one of the major global legal traditions.

This MOOC will give you an introduction to this influential legal system including its history, constitutional background, sources and institutions. You’ll learn about the different ways in which laws are made and interpreted, the English court system and the increasing importance of European Union and human rights law. Now is an especially exciting time to be learning about English common law, given the potential changes that lie ahead in today’s political, economic and social environment – all these pose challenges to and opportunities for the law. Each week we’ll focus on one aspect of English common law, using video lectures, readings, discussion questions and activities to enable you to learn about and evaluate key issues. Whether undertaken as a standalone course, or as preparation for the University of London’s world-class LLB degree, you will find this course interesting and stimulating. Please note that participation in or completion of this online course will not confer academic credit for University of London programmes.

Outline

Week One | Introduction to the English Legal System
Welcome to the course!
Welcome to Week 1
Key features of English law
The origins of common law
Common law and equity
Themes in common law
End of Week Summary
Terminology Explainer
A note about Community Mentors, Role and Responsibilities
What is law?
The Magna Carta
Recent legal history
Historical traditions
Common law and civil law systems
Types of law and classifications
Key dates in legal history
End of Week 1 Quiz

Week Two | Constitutional Principles of the English Legal System
What is a constitution?
The sources of the British constitution
Rule of Law
Separation of Powers
End of Week Summary
Parliamentary Sovereignty
Optional activity: Lord Bingham and the Rule of Law
Entick v Carrington and the principle of legality
Optional Activity: Professor Jowell and the Rule of Law
Optional further reading
The British constitution
End of Week 2 Quiz

Week Three | The Court System
Welcome to Week 3
The structure of the courts
The civil courts
The criminal courts
Online courts: The courts of the future?
End of Week Summary
Structure of the courts diagram
The Supreme Court
More on the civil courts
More on the criminal courts
Tribunals
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Mediation
Optional further reading
Name the ADR method
End of Week 3 Quiz

Week Four | Statutes
Welcome to Week 4
What is a statute?
The problem of language
The traditional approach of the courts
The modern approach of the courts (1)
End of Week Summary
Constitutional statutes
How are statutes made?
More on how statutes are made
The modern approach of the courts (2)
Making statutes simpler
Optional further reading
Name the type of legislation
Name the approach to statutory interpretation
End of Week 4 Quiz

Week Five | Case Law
Welcome to Week 5
What is case law?
Advantages and disadvantages of precedent
Judges and the law
End of Week Summary
What is judicial precedent ?
Reading case law
Top tips
Optional further reading
End of Week 5 Quiz

Week Six | The European Union, European Convention on Human Rights and Human Rights Act 1998
Welcome to Week 6
Background of the European Union
The nature of the European Union: a unique legal order
The European Union’s institutions
The impact of EU Law on English law
Leaving the European Union
Overview of the ECHR and the HRA
Human Rights Act 1998
End of Week Summary
Conclusion
A note on Brexit
Activity: European Union institutions
Direct participation in the European Union?
Activity on EU Member States
Sources of law in the European Union
The supremacy of EU law
Activity: Triggering Article 50
Brexit: the transition period
What are Human Rights?
Optional further reading
European Citizens' Initiatives
EEC/EU Membership
End of Week 6 Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

This course on Introduction to Common Law has received positive reviews from students. Many users found the course to be engaging and informative, providing a solid foundation in the principles of common law.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course's engaging and informative content

Pros from User Reviews

Provides a solid foundation in the principles of common law
Course materials and resources are well-organized and easy to access
The instructor is knowledgeable and engaging
Great for beginners with no prior knowledge of common law

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course to be too basic
The course could benefit from more interactive elements
The pace of the course may be too slow for some users
The course does not cover advanced topics in common law

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