Introduction to English Law
Aim of the course
The course aims to provide an introduction to English law and the English legal system for Russian-qualified lawyers, with a particular emphasis on the law relevant for business transactions. Starting with an introduction to the particular features of English law as a common law system, it will include a detailed review of contract law, company law, tort law, and the law of equity and trusts, and an overview of the regulation of the legal profession in England and Wales and the practice of international law firms.
Eligibility for the course
All students admitted to the Pericles LL.M. program are automatically eligible for the course. Other students may be admitted at the discretion of the Dean, Admissions Tutor or professor. All potential students are expected to have an advanced knowledge of spoken and written English.
Structure of the course
The course involves 24 contact hours. The sessions will be primarily lecturer-driven, but will also involve practical exercises, including a review of various online resources (so students should bring laptops to the sessions).
Course materials
The principal book to be used is Business Law by Marson and Ferris (Oxford University Press, 6th edition, 2020), available also as an e-book. This book provides a general outline to most of the topics to be covered in the course.
More detailed treatment of the subject-matter of the course can be found in the Oxford Core Text Series published by Oxford University Press: Company Law by Dignam and Lowry (11th edition, 2020); Constitutional and Administrative Law by Parpworth (11th edition, 2020); The Law of Contract by O’Sullivan and Hilliard (9th edition, 2020); The Law of Trusts by Penner (11th edition, 2019).
Assessment will be on the basis of:
- final exam: 90%. This will be a two-hour written exam, which will be blind graded, and will take place in the regular exam period.
- class participation: 10%. Students will be expected to participate in class discussions. Prompt attendance is expected. If a student arrives late for a session by more than an hour, this will be considered absence for the entire session.
Course professor