LS4529: FAMILY LAW (HONOURS) (2014-2015)

Course Aims: The course aims to provide a deeper and more critical analysis of certain topics that are covered in the level 2 course of Family Law, to assess the strengths and weaknesses of contemporary Scots Family Law, to consider proposals for improving family law (drawing upon the experience of other jurisdictions where appropriate), to improve students’ research and writing skills through essay work, and to develop a range of important intellectual and transferable skills. Main Learning Outcomes: Students will acquire a knowledge and understanding of why Scots family law has developed in the way that it has and an appreciation of some of the current debates in contemporary family law, including a coverage of divorce law reform, the resolution of residence and contact disputes in respect of children and the issue of legal parentage in cases involving assisted reproduction. Knowledge and Understanding Students will be able to apply the knowledge to specific legal questions of a complex nature and evaluate different approaches to such problems in the areas they have studied. Subject Specific Skills and Concepts Students will acquire the understanding of the current issues in Scottish family law. Key Skills (Transferable) Students will be able to:

Distinguish the relevant from the irrelevant;

Synthesise issues;

Develop critical judgment;

Analyse issues;

Problem solve;

Argue logically;

Think conceptually;

Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing;

Use feedback to reflect upon their understanding of the subject; and

Use the www to retrieve relevant materials. Content:

The evolution of contemporary Scots family law;

The welfare principle in resolving parental disputes over children;

Legal parentage in cases involving assisted reproduction (in particular surrogacy);

Relocation and contact orders;

Divorce law reform;

Adoption.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

View LS4529 Timetable

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt: A three-hour exam in which students must answer three questions out of six (100%). Resit: None.

A 3,000 word essay which does not count towards the final assessment but whose mark is aggregated with the degree exam mark for the purposes of the award of the Family Law Association prize to the best student in the class.

Feedback will be provided on the feedback form within three weeks from the date of submission.

None.