LW0PRO: English Legal System Project

Module code: LW0PRO

Module provider: School of Law

Credits: 20

Level: F

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Ms Sharon Sinclair-Graham , email: sharon.sinclair-graham@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 11 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

To prepare students for undergraduate programmes which involve the study of law by providing a detailed exploration of the English Legal System and the use of Juries. 

In addition to the imparting of legal knowledge, this module encourages the student to engage in evaluating and analysing legal matters selecting relevant materials to produce legal arguments which encompass policy, existing practice and knowledge, and including theorising and critiquing legal concepts.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Show evidence of the ability to apply techniques of ordered thinking and the skills necessary to analyse and solve legal problems.
2. Communicate legal arguments clearly and succinctly and to draw appropriate conclusions.
3. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the changing nature of law in society.

Module content

The module is dedicated to understanding the place of juries in the English Legal System. 

Students will study:

• Historical development of juries
• Role and importance of juries
• Selection process of juries
• Challenges and bias in jury selection
• Function of juries in criminal trials
• Function of juries in civil trials
• Jury Deliberations
• Reform in the Jury System
• Comparative Jury Systems

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

There will be a 2-hour lecture per week (total 22 hours), thirteen hours of blended activity (five 2-hour workshop once per fortnight (total 20 hours).

In the workshops there will be a focus on formative activities (for example including debates, problem questions, group presentations) which the students will need to prepare in advance and bring to the relevant workshop. We will be encouraging questions and peer review from the observing students. There is an expectation of whole-class participation.

Study hours

At least 32 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.