Argument and law go hand in hand. Have you observed that TV legal dramas focus on the adversarial nature of law, the arguments presented by counsel in a court room? Have you chosen to study law because you enjoy arguing? Maybe you tend to win arguments? You will develop the understanding and skills needed to be able to recognise and evaluate arguments, both legal and non-legal, including written, oral and visual arguments. You will engage with philosophical perspectives and methods that focus on the nature of argument to better understand legal argument and law. This will equip you with skills and knowledge needed for your final term modules, which engage with important legal debates and contemporary issues in law. The module builds on the foundational learning undertaken in the first term and develops your understanding of law's argumentative nature and of argument in general. Using the work of philosophers to examine the nature of argument and to build the skills to evaluate arguments will set you up for success in your studies. Through the practical activities in workshops and seminars you will develop strong skills of argument, an attribute often looked for by future employers.
Lectures -16 hours
Seminars -16 hours
Workshops - 16 hours
Essay (1,250 words) - Worth 40% of the total marks for the module
Examination- 2 hours- Worth 60% of the total marks for the module
Reassessment Method: Like-for-like
For current reading lists see the detailed module information on moodle
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Identify the structures of various types of argument, including valid and invalid arguments.
2) Describe what makes an argument effective, focusing on persuasiveness and, or soundness.
3) Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of arguments, both legal and non-legal.
4) Work with arguments presented in a range of formats.
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