Approximately 75 percent of the world’s legal systems do not belong to the common law tradition but to the civil law tradition, which means that they were shaped not by English law but by Roman law, either directly (e.g.: France, Germany, Spain) or through colonisation (e.g.: Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico). Students aiming to operate on the international scene in whatever capacity are bound to come into contact with the civil law tradition. This course introduces you to the very different ways in which civil law governments, judges, lawyers and law professors think about the law. The materials and coursework are designed for all students destined to spend time in a civil law jurisdiction, whether during a year abroad as part of your studies or in your future working life. It is also intended for students enrolling in the module out of an interest in foreign and/or comparative law.
Lectures 16 hours, Workshops 16 hours, Independent Study 118 hours, Assessment Preparation 50 hours.
Short Writing Piece. Assessment Details: Essay (1000 words) worth 20% of total marks for the module.
Test. Assessment Details: Take-Home Test (24-hour to complete take-home test) (2000 words) worth 80% of total marks for the module.
Reassessment Method: Like-for-like
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On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Provide a sound appreciation of the history of the civil law tradition and its worldwide influence;
2) Identify and explain the mentality and methods of civil law lawyers;
3) Apply codified law carefully and efficiently;
4) Critically assess cases from civil law jurisdictions;
5) Identify and explain fundamental differences between the civil and common law traditions.
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