Last modified: 02 Sep 2024 14:46
This course considers a number of important topics in contemporary Scots family law. An underlying theme is whether the law in these areas is satisfactory or in need of reform, and what shape reform might take. Topics include: adoption, domestic abuse and child protection, divorce law reform, financial consequences of divorce, international family relocation, and surrogacy and legal parenthood. There is a comparative element to some of the seminar topics as relevant Scots law is compared with the position in England and/or other jurisdictions. The effects on Scots family law of the European Convention of Human Rights are also explored.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
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| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 25 credits (12.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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One or more of these courses have a limited number of places. Priority access will be given to students for whom this course is compulsory. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for more details on this process.
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, domestic abuse, the resolution disputes in respect of children and the issue of legal parentage in cases involving assisted reproduction.
- 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.
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; and
• Use feedback to reflect upon their understanding of the subject.
Content:
• The evolution of contemporary Scots family law;
• The welfare principle in resolving parental disputes over children (in particular in relation to international family relocation);
• Legal parentage in cases involving assisted reproduction (in particular surrogacy);
• Domestic abuse and child protection;
• Divorce law reform;
• Financial consequences of divorce;
• Adoption.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 60 | |
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| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Online Exam |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 40 | |
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| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Feedback will be provided on the feedback form within three weeks from the date of submission. |
Word Count | 2500 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | ||
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| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | ||||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Factual | Remember | ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide. |
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