Module Details

Module Code: LEGS6001
Title: Irish Legal System
Long Title: Irish Legal System
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3800 - Law
Module Delivered in: 5 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is designed to introduce students to the Irish Legal System and to provide a basis for the study of substantive areas of Irish Law. It introduces the fundamental differences between the Irish Criminal and Civil legal systems, the courts structure and the system of government.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the fundamental principles which govern the operation of the Irish Legal System.
LO2 Identify and explain the various sources of Irish law.
LO3 Show how the court system is structured and classify the key personnel with reference to recent civil and criminal cases.
LO4 Describe the criminal process from commission of a crime to sentencing.
LO5 Explain how civil cases are processed and alternative methods of dispute resolution.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Not applicable
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
Not applicable
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
Not applicable
 
Indicative Content
Key principles of Irish Law
Nature and purpose of law, law and society, law and other disciplines. This history of the Irish legal system. Divisions of Law. Introduction to legal terminology.
Sources of Law
Bunreacht na hÉireann (The Irish Constitution). The Oireachtas. Legislation. European Union Law. Judicial precedent.
Courts and Legal Personnel
The Courts Service. Structure & jurisdictional capacity of the Irish Civil and Criminal Courts.
Criminal Procedure
The concept of a 'crime'. Outline of the criminal process. The role of the Gardaí and DPP. Availability of legal aid. The trial of criminal offences, role of Judge and Jury. Sentencing in criminal cases.
Civil Procedure
The concept of a 'civil wrong'. Conduct of a civil trial, role of the Judge. The range of civil remedies. The Injuries Board. Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
SAQ and MCQ style questions on the principles and sources of Irish Law.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of content and material underpinning the learning outcomes, including relevant case studies. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Reading and research Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of content and material underpinning the learning outcomes, including relevant case studies. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Reading and Research Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Keenan A.. (2021), Essentials of Irish Business Law, 7th. Boru Press, [ISBN: 9781916019980].
  • Vaeni Mac Donnell. (2015), An Introduction to Business Law, 2nd. Chartered Accountants Ireland, [ISBN: 9781910374337].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Byrne, McCutcheon, Cahalane and Roche Cagney. (2021), Byrne and McCutcheon on the Irish Legal System, 7th. Bloomsbury, Ireland, [ISBN: 9781526515100].
  • Tanya Ni Mhuirthile, Catherine O'Sullivan and Liam Thornton. (2016), Fundamentals of the Irish Legal System, Roundhall, [ISBN: 9781858007120].
  • Matthew Holmes. (2017), EU Law, Round Hall Nutshells, [ISBN: 9780414060999].
  • Conor Hanly. (2015), An Introduction to Irish Criminal Law, 3rd. Gill Education, Dublin, [ISBN: 9780717159734].
  • Kenneally & Tully. (2013), The Irish Legal System, Clarus Press, Ireland, [ISBN: 9781905536580].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BBUSS_7 Bachelor of Business 3 Mandatory
CR_BACCT_8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Accounting 1 Mandatory
CR_BACCT_7 Bachelor of Business in Accounting 1 Mandatory
CR_BBUSS_6 Higher Certificate in Business 3 Mandatory
CR_BACCT_6 Higher Certificate in Business in Accounting 1 Mandatory