LLB Law

Constitutional Law is concerned with the overall constitutional structure by which a country is governed. Constitutional Reform evaluates the United Kingdom’s constitutional arrangements and will be of special interest to students who enjoyed studying Constitutional Law within the Public Law course, and all those interested in politics and current affairs. Are referendums, as used for example over Brexit, a good idea? Should the system that is used in the election of MPs be changed, so as to make the House of Commons more representative? How should the House of Lords be reformed? Given the setting up of the Scottish Parliament, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Welsh Assembly, should there be a federal United Kingdom constitution? What is the case for the United Kingdom becoming a republic? How should changes to the British Constitution be considered and made?

These and many other similar questions are considered in this course, which will be especially rewarding for students who are interested in constitutional and political change. 

This course unit aims to give students an understanding of the main methodologies involved in changing constitutions, particularly the British constitution, and of the current arguments about the ways in which the British constitution requires change (or further change).

By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate a systemic understanding of the Constitutional framework of the United Kingdom combined with a coherent and detailed knowledge of the arguments for and against reform of this framework. Students will use this knowledge to advocate for a preferred intellectual position, and propose solutions, in a context in which there is no single necessary or correct answer. Along this vein, students will demonstrate an ability to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions, to reach sound judgements and to communicate them effectively, and to defend their viewpoints whilst demonstrating an ability to engage respectfully and constructively those with opposing views. This will enable students to develop and refine the analytical and communication skills necessary for their future studies and careers. 

1. Constitutions and Constitutional culture

2. Codification

3. Monarchy

4. Referenda

5. The Structure of the UK

6. House of Commons

7. House of Lords

8. Human Rights

9. Citizenship

10. Revision and Exam Skills

The course is taught via a combination of lectures (30 hours) and 1-hour workshops of 15 students (5 hours).

Lectures will introduce the content and skills taught on this course and will be taught by a team of colleagues, including guest lecturers. Some lectures may include interactive elements or may require students to do individual or group preparation in advance.

This course unit has a Blackboard page which will be used to deliver the range of course materials and information about teaching, learning and assessment for that course unit. 

Students should demonstrate a systemic understanding of the Constitutional framework of the United Kingdom combined with a coherent and detailed knowledge of the arguments for and against reform of this framework 

Students should demonstrate an ability to evaluate arguments for Constitutional reform through accurately deploying established techniques of analysis and enquiry to devise and sustain argument, and demonstrating an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge in order to advocate for a preferred intellectual position, and propose solutions, in a context in which there is no single necessary or correct answer.

Students should demonstrate an ability to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding and apply appropriately referenced primary and secondary sources to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. 

Students should demonstrate an ability to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions, to reach sound judgements and to communicate them effectively, and to defend their viewpoints whilst demonstrating an ability to engage respectfully and constructively those with opposing views.

Feedback will be given in seminars, based on performance, and through one formative essay which, although not compulsory, is strongly recommended for submission and feedback.

The set text is Rodney Brazier, "Constitutional Reform", which is available on Blackboard.

Open book examination.

Information

This course is available to incoming study abroad students provided they have prior knowledge of Constitutional Law.

Timetable

See Law School undergraduate timetable page