Introductory description

The module has its focus on the contemporary French legal system, its origins, its ideological inspirations and its developments. In the light of these principles, students are introduced to the basics of constitutional law, civil law and administrative law in France.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

THE SPIRIT OF FRENCH LAW - A brief study of the French Legal System within its wider European context and differences as compared to Common Law systems.

FRENCH CIVIL LAW - The formation of a contract in French law as set out in the Code civil and developed by the Courts and the rules on Tort law.

AN INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH ADMINISTRATIVE LAW - Defining the term “Administration”; history of the public institutions and administrative courts; administrative contract and administrative liability.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand basic concepts and structure of French civil and administrative law
• To understand and use court cases
• To improve their understanding and complete their knowledge supplement through use of secondary materials
• Understand the historical and institutional context in which French Constitutional law has developed
• Commenting on French court cases using French law analytical methodology
• Use of French Civil Code
• Ability to identify issues in terms of doctrinal relevance
• Ability to produce clean synthesis of doctrinal evolutions (civil law)(administrative law)
• Can act independently in planning and managing tasks with limited guidance in areas which they have studied; able to identify own resources
• Can reflect on own learning; can seek and make use of feedback
• Ability to identify and use primary legal sources and journals. Limited ability to research primary and secondary sources relevant to topic studied
• Understanding and application of French and French Legal terminology both orally and in written work
• Team work - ability to work and communicate in French within a small group.
• Word processing

Indicative reading list

View reading list on Talis Aspire

International

This module, taught in French, focuses on French civil, administrative and constitutional law.

Subject specific skills

No subject specific skills defined for this module.

Transferable skills

No transferable skills defined for this module.