The Law of England and Wales: An Introduction

Course Overview

Discover how law shapes and sustains our society in this introductory course on the English and Welsh legal system. Whether you're beginning your legal studies, working as a journalist or social worker, or simply curious to understand how law works in practice, this course provides essential foundational knowledge. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: - Trace the historical development of the rule of law from medieval Britain to the present day and explain how legal principles evolved to balance power between rulers and citizens - Distinguish between criminal and civil law and apply this understanding to real-world scenarios involving compensation, punishment, and justice - Navigate primary legal materials effectively, including interpreting statutes, analysing case law, and understanding how to use legal precedents in practical situations - Explain how England's legal system operates, including court hierarchies, the doctrine of precedent, the roles of barristers and solicitors, and the jurisdiction of different courts from Magistrates' Courts to the Court of Appeal - Analyse contemporary legal and constitutional issues, including civil rights, judicial review, and the impact of Brexit on European law within the English legal framework This course is open to anyone with an interest in the field: potential law students, anyone interested in law, and people with an interest in how politicians have to engage with legal constraints. You don’t need any previous knowledge or experience of the subject to attend.