Unit name | Family Law |
---|---|
Unit code | LAWD20036 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | I/5 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
Unit director | Dr. Short |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | University of Bristol Law School |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
The Unit aims to develop students’ understanding of Family Law i.e. how the law regulates family relationships and the use of law to resolve disputes within families. The particular topics included relate to the creation and dissolution of family relationships (marriage, civil partnership and divorce) and parenthood (parentage, parental responsibility and children's rights). The unit will also address issues relating to the role of courts in family disputes such as contact after parental separation and protection of family members from violence. The unit will develop students’ skills in analysing and evaluating legal developments and policy initiatives relating to families.
By the end of this unit a successful student will be able to:
• Describe the legal provisions for the creation of family relationships, including relationships between parents, carers and children, and for the dissolution of marriage
• Summarise the way family law operates to resolve disputes about the care of children and relationships between adults, and to protect against domestic abuse.
• Describe the respective roles of solicitors, mediators and the courts in assisting the resolution of family disputes, by reference to case law, procedural guidance and empirical research literature
• Apply problem solving skills to issues in family law through analysis/synthesis, critical judgment and evaluation
23 lectures, including two enhancement lectures and a revision lecture, plus 7 tutorials
2 formative assessments: 1 x 1,250 word coursework. Formative assessments do not count towards final mark and can be optional.
1 summative assessment: 1 x 3 hour exam in the Summer Exam Period. Summative assessments do count towards final mark.
The assessments will assess all of the intended learning outcomes for this unit.
Because Family Law is a fast moving subject you should only use the latest edition. Page references will be given for the texts listed below.
Other books you may be referred to from time to time or otherwise wish to consult include: