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Professor Adam Gearey
The Common Law of England and Wales is one of the major global legal traditions. In order to understand the common law, we need to deal with its history, and the development of its characteristic institutions like the jury, judge made law, parliamentary sovereignty and due process. We also need to ask some critical questions. What role does democracy play in the development of the common law? To what extent are human rights central to the modern common law? How does the common law of England and Wales relate to the law of the European Union? Answering these questions will give us insights into the current challenges the law faces...
Read more
The Common Law of England and Wales is one of the major global legal traditions. In order to understand the common law, we need to deal with its history, and the development of its characteristic institutions like the jury, judge made law, parliamentary sovereignty and due process. We also need to ask some critical questions. What role does democracy play in the development of the common law? To what extent are human rights central to the modern common law? How does the common law of England and Wales relate to the law of the European Union? Answering these questions will give us insights into the current challenges the law faces...
Read more
The Common Law of England and Wales is one of the major global legal traditions. In order to understand the common law, we need to deal with its history, and the development of its characteristic institutions like the jury, judge made law, parliamentary sovereignty and due process. We also need to ask some critical questions. What role does democracy play in the development of the common law? To what extent are human rights central to the modern common law? How does the common law of England and Wales relate to the law of the European Union? Answering these questions will give us insights into the current challenges the law faces and its possible futures.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/09mb04/english
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Offers a critical perspective on historical and modern developments of common law
Examines the role of institutions like the jury, judge made law, and parliamentary sovereignty in shaping common law
Taught by Professor Adam Gearey, who is known for their work in Legal history
Provides insights into the current challenges the common law faces and its possible futures
May require a foundational understanding of legal concepts
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Save English Common Law: Structure and Principles to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Enjoyable introduction to english common law
This course provides an engaging introduction to the structure and principles of English Common Law. Students appreciate the well-structured content and presentation style, which makes the learning experience enjoyable. The course effectively conveys the foundational concepts of the common law system, including its history, institutions, and relationship with democracy and human rights.
Lectures are interesting and effectively convey concepts.
"The lectures are moderately interesting, though not quite what I expected."
Course content is well-organized and easy to follow.
"The course provides a good understanding of the common law judicial system, presenting basic principles, relationship between powers and their structure of functioning."
Course effectively covers core principles of common law.
Course certificate information is unclear and potentially misleading.
"The certificate provided in signature track is confusing. It is mentioned that the course is authorized by the University of London and offered through coursera but it is also mentioned that " This statement does not confer University of London registration, degree, award, grade or credit""
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in English Common Law: Structure and Principles with these
activities:
Review legal terminology
Show steps
Brushing up on legal terminology will provide a solid foundation for understanding the core concepts of the Common Law of England and Wales.
Browse courses on
Legal Terminology
Show steps
-
Compile a glossary of legal terms
-
Practice using legal terms in context
Review constitutional law principles
Show steps
Refresher your understanding of constitutional law principles will provide a strong foundation for exploring the relationship between the Common Law and the Constitution.
Browse courses on
Constitutional Law
Show steps
-
Review your notes or textbooks on constitutional law
-
Take practice quizzes or exams
Read Blackstone's Commentaries on the Laws of England
Show steps
Blackstone's Commentaries provides a comprehensive overview of the Common Law of England and Wales, helping you gain a deeper understanding of its historical development and key principles.
View
Commentaries on the Laws of England
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read one book of the Commentaries each week
-
Summarize the main points of each book
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Analyze case studies
Show steps
Practicing case analysis will enhance your ability to apply the principles of the Common Law to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Case Analysis
Show steps
-
Read the case study and identify the legal issues
-
Research relevant case law and statutes
-
Apply the law to the facts of the case
-
Write a brief summarizing your analysis
Participate in online discussion forums
Show steps
Engaging in online discussions will allow you to exchange ideas with peers, clarify your understanding, and gain diverse perspectives on the course material.
Show steps
-
Join the course discussion forum
-
Post thoughtful questions and comments
-
Respond to the posts of others
Compile a library of legal resources
Show steps
Building a personal library of legal resources will provide you with easy access to the materials you need to succeed in your studies and future career.
Show steps
-
Identify the key legal resources for the course
-
Bookmark or download the resources
-
Create a system for organizing your resources
Develop a legal research strategy
Show steps
Creating a legal research strategy will equip you with the skills to efficiently find and analyze legal sources, which is crucial for success in the field.
Browse courses on
Legal Research
Show steps
-
Identify the legal issue
-
Determine the relevant sources of law
-
Develop a search strategy
-
Conduct the research
-
Analyze the results
Review legal terminology
Show steps
Brushing up on legal terminology will provide a solid foundation for understanding the core concepts of the Common Law of England and Wales.
Browse courses on
Legal Terminology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Compile a glossary of legal terms
- Practice using legal terms in context
Review constitutional law principles
Show steps
Refresher your understanding of constitutional law principles will provide a strong foundation for exploring the relationship between the Common Law and the Constitution.
Browse courses on
Constitutional Law
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes or textbooks on constitutional law
- Take practice quizzes or exams
Read Blackstone's Commentaries on the Laws of England
Show steps
Blackstone's Commentaries provides a comprehensive overview of the Common Law of England and Wales, helping you gain a deeper understanding of its historical development and key principles.
View
Commentaries on the Laws of England
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read one book of the Commentaries each week
- Summarize the main points of each book
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Analyze case studies
Show steps
Practicing case analysis will enhance your ability to apply the principles of the Common Law to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Case Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the case study and identify the legal issues
- Research relevant case law and statutes
- Apply the law to the facts of the case
- Write a brief summarizing your analysis
Participate in online discussion forums
Show steps
Engaging in online discussions will allow you to exchange ideas with peers, clarify your understanding, and gain diverse perspectives on the course material.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join the course discussion forum
- Post thoughtful questions and comments
- Respond to the posts of others
Compile a library of legal resources
Show steps
Building a personal library of legal resources will provide you with easy access to the materials you need to succeed in your studies and future career.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the key legal resources for the course
- Bookmark or download the resources
- Create a system for organizing your resources
Develop a legal research strategy
Show steps
Creating a legal research strategy will equip you with the skills to efficiently find and analyze legal sources, which is crucial for success in the field.
Browse courses on
Legal Research
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the legal issue
- Determine the relevant sources of law
- Develop a search strategy
- Conduct the research
- Analyze the results
Career center
Learners who complete English Common Law: Structure and Principles will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Legal Researcher
Legal Researcher
Legal Researchers conduct legal research for lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals. They may work in a variety of settings, such as law firms, government agencies, and corporations. This course would be helpful for Legal Researchers because it provides a deep understanding of the English common law system and the principles that underlie it. The course also covers topics such as jury trials and judge-made law, which are essential for Legal Researchers to know in order to be successful in their field.
Barrister
Barrister
Barristers are lawyers who represent clients in court. They may also provide advice on legal issues, but they do not typically handle the day-to-day legal work that Solicitors do. This course would be helpful for Barristers because it provides a deep understanding of the English common law system and the principles that underlie it. The course also covers topics such as jury trials and judge-made law, which are essential for Barristers to know in order to be successful in court.
Legal Executive
Legal Executive
Legal Executives are lawyers who work under the supervision of Solicitors. They may handle a variety of legal tasks, such as drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, and representing clients in court. This course would be helpful for Legal Executives because it provides a broad overview of the English common law system and the principles that underlie it. The course also covers topics such as parliamentary sovereignty and due process, which are important for Legal Executives to understand in order to effectively assist their clients.
Paralegal
Paralegal
Paralegals are legal professionals who work under the supervision of lawyers. They may perform a variety of legal tasks, such as drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, and representing clients in court. This course would be helpful for Paralegals because it provides a broad overview of the English common law system and the principles that underlie it. The course also covers topics such as parliamentary sovereignty and due process, which are important for Paralegals to understand in order to effectively assist their superiors.
Law Librarian
Law Librarian
Law Librarians manage and maintain law libraries. They may also provide reference and research assistance to lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals. This course would be helpful for Law Librarians because it provides a solid foundation in the English common law system and the principles that underlie it. The course also covers topics such as parliamentary sovereignty and due process, which are important for Law Librarians to understand in order to effectively assist their patrons.
Solicitor
Solicitor
Solicitors are lawyers who advise clients on legal issues and represent them in court. They may work in private practice, for a government agency, or for a corporation. This course would be helpful for Solicitors because it provides a solid foundation in the English common law system, which is the basis of the legal systems in many countries around the world. The course also covers topics such as parliamentary sovereignty and due process, which are important for Solicitors to understand in order to effectively represent their clients.
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers ensure that their organizations comply with applicable laws and regulations. They may work in a variety of industries, such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This course would be helpful for Compliance Officers because it provides a solid foundation in the English common law system and the principles that underlie it. The course also covers topics such as parliamentary sovereignty and due process, which are important for Compliance Officers to understand in order to effectively ensure that their organizations comply with the law.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and control projects. They may work in a variety of industries, such as construction, engineering, and information technology. This course would be helpful for Project Managers because it provides a solid foundation in the English common law system and the principles that underlie it. The course also covers topics such as parliamentary sovereignty and due process, which are important for Project Managers to understand in order to effectively plan, execute, and control projects.
Government Relations Specialist
Government Relations Specialist
Government Relations Specialists represent the interests of their clients before government agencies. They may work for corporations, non-profit organizations, or trade associations. This course would be helpful for Government Relations Specialists because it provides a deep understanding of the English common law system and the principles that underlie it. The course also covers topics such as parliamentary sovereignty and due process, which are important for Government Relations Specialists to understand in order to effectively represent their clients.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify opportunities for improvement. They may work in a variety of industries, such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This course would be helpful for Business Analysts because it provides a solid foundation in the English common law system and the principles that underlie it. The course also covers topics such as parliamentary sovereignty and due process, which are important for Business Analysts to understand in order to effectively analyze business processes and systems.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and expertise to clients on a variety of topics. They may work in a variety of industries, such as management consulting, financial consulting, and information technology consulting. This course would be helpful for Consultants because it provides a solid foundation in the English common law system and the principles that underlie it. The course also covers topics such as parliamentary sovereignty and due process, which are important for Consultants to understand in order to effectively advise their clients.
Risk Manager
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify, assess, and manage risks for their organizations. They may work in a variety of industries, such as finance, insurance, and healthcare. This course would be helpful for Risk Managers because it provides a deep understanding of the English common law system and the principles that underlie it. The course also covers topics such as parliamentary sovereignty and due process, which are important for Risk Managers to understand in order to effectively manage risks for their organizations.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts develop and evaluate public policies. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations. This course would be helpful for Policy Analysts because it provides a deep understanding of the English common law system and the principles that underlie it. The course also covers topics such as parliamentary sovereignty and due process, which are important for Policy Analysts to understand in order to develop and evaluate effective public policies.
Legal Assistant
Legal Assistant
Legal Assistants provide administrative and legal support to lawyers and other legal professionals. They may perform a variety of tasks, such as filing legal documents, conducting legal research, and preparing legal briefs. This course would be helpful for Legal Assistants because it provides a solid foundation in the English common law system and the principles that underlie it. The course also covers topics such as parliamentary sovereignty and due process, which are important for Legal Assistants to understand in order to effectively support their superiors.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/09mb04/english
Reading list
We've selected 17 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
English Common Law: Structure and Principles.
First published in 1896, this book remains a foundational text on the nature and history of the common law, focusing on its development in England. Essential reading for understanding the historical evolution of the common law.
Save
This classic text is still required reading in many academic institutions and is helpful in understanding the development of the common law tradition.
Dworkin major figure in legal philosophy, and this book sets out his theory of law as integrity. This is an advanced text, and is useful in adding depth to the course.
Discusses the foundations and history of the rule of law, a cornerstone of the common law tradition.
Save
This classic treatise on the conflict of laws, and is still used as a reference by practitioners and scholars.
This comprehensive textbook provides a comparative overview of legal systems around the world, including the common law system. Essential reading for understanding the common law in a global context.
This comprehensive handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of comparative law, including chapters on the common law system. Essential reading for understanding the common law in a comparative context.
A leading academic journal that publishes articles on all aspects of law, including the common law. Essential reading for staying up-to-date on the latest scholarship on the common law.
Save
A leading academic journal that publishes articles on all aspects of law, including the common law. Essential reading for staying up-to-date on the latest scholarship on the common law.
Save
Another leading academic journal that publishes articles on all aspects of law, including the common law. Essential reading for staying up-to-date on the latest scholarship on the common law.
Save
A leading academic journal that publishes articles on all aspects of comparative law, including the common law system. Essential reading for understanding the common law in a comparative context.
This classic work provides a comprehensive overview of the law of England as it existed in the 18th century. It valuable resource for understanding the historical development of the common law.
Save
Provides a broad overview of the philosophy of law, and how it relates to the common law tradition.
This classic work provides a comprehensive overview of Roman law as it existed in the 6th century. It valuable resource for understanding the historical development of the common law, as the common law is based in part on Roman law.
Save
This ancient code of laws provides a fascinating glimpse into the legal system of India in the 2nd century BC. It valuable resource for understanding the historical development of law in general.
This ancient code of laws provides a fascinating glimpse into the legal system of Babylonia in the 18th century BC. It valuable resource for understanding the historical development of law in general.
This textbook for those new to the field who need a quick overview. It can also serve as a useful reference, or to provide background information.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/09mb04/english
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Time
28 hours
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of London
Instructor
Professor Adam Gearey
Good to know
Offers a critical perspective on historical and modern developments of common law
Examines the role of institutions like the jury, judge made law, and parliamentary sovereignty in shaping common law
Taught by Professor Adam Gearey, who is known for their work in Legal history
Provides insights into the current challenges the common law faces and its possible futures
May require a foundational understanding of legal concepts
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