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2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LAW2330 Family Law

20 creditsClass Size: 96

Module manager: Prof Marie-Andree Jacob; Prof Norma Martin Clement
Email: M.A.Jacob@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

Pre-requisite qualifications

Completion of 40 credits of Law modules at level one.

Pre-requisites

LAW1200Foundations of Law

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module examines the legal rules and concepts regulating intimate or domestic relationships between adults. The social context in which the law operates will be stressed, in particular the relationship between the law and the changing social structure of the family.

Objectives

In this module we look at the legal rules, concepts and values which govern and regulate intimate or domestic relationships between adults. In broad terms the syllabus covers the formation of family relationships through marriage, civil partnerships and cohabitation. It also considers how family law can protect victims of domestic abuse, the basis for divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships and what happens in relation to disputes over money and property on the breakdown of marriage or civil partnership.

Broadly the approach taken is socio-legal in that you will consider the law within a broader historical, social and political context. You will also develop specific technical skills, particularly in handling statutory material as most of family law is grounded in statute.

Learning outcomes
By the end of this course a student should be able:
- to explain, analyse and evaluate the legal rules, concepts and values governing and regulating intimate or domestic relationships;
- to demonstrate the development of the law, including the institutions and procedures, within a broader historical, demographic and social context;
- to promote critical and informed discussion of the relationship between families and the state, the interface between family law and family policy and the roles of men and women within families, and to introduce the various theoretical perspectives on family law.

Skills outcomes
This module provides provide practice in the development of a number of skills: in particular, the specific skill of locating and applying relevant statutory and case materials to the legal problems which arise when family relationships break down.


Syllabus

Theoretical approaches to family law.
What is the family?
The formation of marriage and civil partnerships.
The legal consequences of marriage, civil partnership and cohabitation.
The protection of family members from domestic abuse.
Relationship breakdown – divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships.
Money and property on divorce and dissolution.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture31.003.00
Seminar82.0016.00
Private study hours181.00
Total Contact hours19.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

Students are provided with study workbooks for each seminar. The workbook provides reading from the recommended textbook with self-test questions as well as preparatory questions for the seminar. The workbook also contains details of further reading.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students are monitored through participation in the seminars.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/08/2020 09:50:03

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