English Legal System - Introduction

The English Legal System course focuses primarily on the procedural aspect of Law, rather than its substantive components. In this lesson, we will look at the syllabus and the topics we will be covering throughout this course.

Role of Courts

The UK's Court System is one which has developed over several centuries. Over this period of time, it's respective roles within the legal framework have also evolved. In this lesson, we briefly look at the these roles.

Organisation of Courts

From the lowest level Court, which is the Magistrates Court, to the newly established and highest Court of Law, the Supreme Court; this lesson identifies the various types of Courts in effect within the UK and their respective jurisdictions.

Statutory Interpretation - Part I

In order to determine cases, judges employ a myriad of techniques of interpretation of legislature. In this lesson, we begin our discussion on Statutory Interpretation by considering the rationale/basis for such interpretation as well as defining the primary modes of interpretation.

Statutory Interpretation - Part II

We continue our discussion on Statutory Interpretation by looking at the various secondary forms of interpretation utilized by Judges.

Judges

Being an integral part of the legal system, Judges play an important role in discharging justice within any jurisdiction. In this lesson we briefly discuss the roles of Judges within the English Legal System.

Article 6 & The Due Process

With UK's ascension into the EU, European legislation and practices have become somewhat incorporated within the UK's legal framework. In this lesson, we will look at one such incorporation.

Criminal Justice Process

In this lesson, we will outline the Criminal Justice Process of the UK by identifying the path that a case takes through the Courts of Law.

Human Rights Act 1998

What could be considered as the main remit of UK being a signatory of the ECHR and being part of the EU, is the enactment of the Human Rights Act of 1998. In this lesson, we briefly look at what impact this has had on the UK.

For quick reference of the lecture material, please refer to the PDF.

Constitutional Law - Introduction

In this lesson, we will briefly look at the syllabus that will be covered in this course and how best to approach your studies.

Definition of a Constitution

In this lesson, we will begin our discussion on the Constitution of the UK by analysing the various types of Constitutions in effect around the world.

Characteristics of a Constitution

Each type of Constitution has its own merits and demerits. In this lesson we take a brief look at these characteristics, with special emphasis on the UK's largely "unwritten" Constitution.

Sources of the Constitution

The UK has a largely "unwritten" Constitution. Thus, while not found in one specific document much like other countries, the UK's Constitution is made up of several different sources both Legal and Non-Legal. In this lesson, we take a look at how the UK's Constitution is formed.

Summary

We take a round-up of the lesson and outline several key opinions by eminent Jurists and legal personalities.

Separation of Powers

The concept of 3 arms of State, their independence from each other as well as their respective interdependence of each other is pivotal to the functioning of a Country. In this lesson, we discuss how this affects the functioning of a Country.

Royal Prerogative

One of the most unique characteristics of UK's Constitution and its overall governance, is its incorporation of the residual powers vested with the Crown - The Royal Prerogative. In this lesson, we consider how the Royal Prerogative is incorporated as well as its merits and demerits.

Rule of Law

The concept of the Rule of Law is one which has been debated greatly over centuries. In this lesson, we take a look at the exposition of the eminent A.V. Dicey.

Parliamentary Sovereignty

We briefly assess the concept of Parliamentary Sovereignty and recent judicial and extra-judicial decisions that have questioned whether UK remains Sovereign in the same capacity.

House of Commons

The lower chamber of the bi-cameral Parliament and the elected House; in this lesson we delve into the composition and functions of the House of Commons.

House of Lords

The appointed of the two Houses of Parliament, this lesson discusses its importance, the criticisms levelled against it and proposed reforms.

Summary

We briefly review the proceeding lessons and consider the impact of a bi-cameral Parliament within the UK.

Human Rights Act 1998

What could be considered as the main remit of UK being a signatory of the ECHR and being part of the EU, is the enactment of the Human Rights Act of 1998. In this lesson, we briefly look at what impact this has had on the UK.

Criminal Law - Introduction

This lesson will outline the syllabus that will be covered in relation to the Criminal Law subject.

Elements of an Offence

In order for a defendant to be found guilty, he/she must have fulfilled the requisite physical and mental elements of the crime. This lesson, briefly outlines these requisites and how they apply to different types of offences.

Automatism

Where a defendant has acted without intention and with no control of his physical self, there may have been automatism in effect. This lesson aims to discuss the effect of such involuntary acts by the defendant.

Effects of Prior Fault

A defendants prior faults may lead to compounding of sentence or complete acquittal. This lesson aims to identify these faults and its effect on the defendant's ultimate conviction.

Omissions

While there is no positive duty to act, in certain cases where a duty is imposed, a defendant may be found guilty for "failing to act". This lesson briefly discusses the effect of these Omissions.

Causation

A defendant must be the direct or substantial cause of the crime in order to him to found guilty of an offence. In this lesson, we discuss how the causal link becomes applicable.

Mens Rea

In order to be found guilty of a crime, a defendant must not only have committed the crime but should have done so willings and with intent. In this lesson, we discuss the more complex component of a crime, which is the mental element or Mens Rea.

Defences

In this lesson, we look at the defences available to a myriad of crimes.

Attempts

In some occasions, where there is more than merely preparatory acts done in pursuance of committing a crime, a defendant may be found guilty of an attempted crime. In this lesson, we consider the effect of such inchoate offences.

Parties to a Crime

In this lesson, we consider situations where a party is an accessory to a crime.

Homicide

One of the most heinous crimes, be it voluntary (Murder) or involuntary (Manslaughter) is Homicide. In this lesson we take a look at the various aspects of Homicide.

Common Assault

In this lesson, we outline the basic principles of Common Assault.

Aggravated Assault

In this lesson, we outline the basic principles of Aggrevated Assault.

Sexual Offences

In this lesson we outline sexual offences against the person, with primary emphasis on the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Theft

In this lesson, we outline the basic principles of Theft.

Agreement

In order for a contract to be in place, one party must make an "offer" which is unconditionally "accepted" by another. In this lesson, we consider these two requisites which is collectively called an Agreement.

Consideration

In order for a contract to receive it's "badge of enforceability" as McKendrick refers to it, there must be some form of Consideration, monetary or otherwise. In this lesson, we discuss the applicability and norms surrounding this requisite.

Formative Requirements

Besides the Agreement and Consideration being in place, in this lesson we will discuss certain other Formative Requirements which must be fulfilled in order for a Contract to be enforceable,

Terms

When a breach has occurred by one party, the remedy applicable to the aggrieved party can be determined by looking at the terms which the parties agreed upon. In this lesson, we will outline the 3 main types of terms and the consequence of a respective breach.

Misrepresentation

There may have been false statements or indications, unincorporated within the Contract, yet mentioned prior to entering into one; which in turn induced a party to Contract. In this lesson, we will consider the effect of such Misrepresentations.