Course Details in 2023/24 Session

Module Title	LC Law Justice and Ethics
School	Birmingham Law School
Department	Law
Module Code	08 33527
Module Lead
Level	Certificate Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-14 hours Seminar-3 hours Supervised time in studio/workshop-3 hours Guided independent study-180 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This course provides an introduction to legal ethics and professional responsibility based on an introduction to ethics more generally which examines various theories of ethical responsibility. Through a problem based approach it explores the applicability of ethical analysis to legal practice. In doing so it assists law students in their first semester of study to understand the concept of a profession and the obligations which might follow from this. In particular it will place some emphasis on the wider responsibilities of lawyers in the communities with which they engage. The module will explore the nature and purpose of professional conduct rules and surrounding questions of regulation and enforcement. The substantive issues included in the problems on which the students will work will be drawn from everyday ethical dilemmas of practice including potential conflicts of interest, legal privilege and other questions of confidentiality, responsibilities to the court and to the client and how these may be negotiated, obligations arising out of fiduciary duties, and wider issues of access to justice.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate a good understanding of the legal profession in England and Wales and reflect upon professional obligations when facing ethical issues. Apply an understanding of ethics to problems that might face a legal practitioner. Synthesise competing ethical demands and evaluate appropriate professional responses to ethical dilemmas. Critically appraise the regulatory frameworks that oversee the work and conduct of the legal profession in England and Wales. Develop the capacity to organise team working and group tasks to delivery.
Assessment	33527-01 : Oral Group Presentation : Presentation (70%) 33527-02 : Group Reflective Report : Coursework (30%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1 x live oral group presentation (10 minutes) (70%), 1 x 1,000 word group reflective report (30%). Reassessment: If there are sufficient students the same as above. Otherwise, individual 5 minute presentation (70%) plus 750 word individual reflection (30%).
Other
Reading List