Dr. Stephen Swann

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In Winter Semester 2024-2025 I am offering the following courses:

British Legal Systems (233353) 

Mon. 12:00 - 14:00 (HS 8)

This course provides an introduction to the legal systems of the British Islands and most especially English law. Besides presenting some core English legal vocabulary in context, the lectures will highlight points of (perceived) difference between legal systems - within English-speaking jurisdictions as well as in the contrast of the common law legal family with codified civil law. A main focus of the course is on the sources of law, studied in the context of the norms, structures, and practices of the law-making institutions. In particular, the course aims to provide students with insight into the origin and development of the case law method, its practical operation in the modern law, and its impact on legislative law-making and legal discourse in legal systems shaped by English law. A selective look at some aspects of substantive law, including the law of remedies, will round off the course in illustrating points of contrast, drawing attention to distinctive legal terms and structures, and confirming the enduring legacy of a peculiar legal history.

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English Land Law (233381)

Wed. 12:00 - 14:00 (Fürstengraben 1 / HS 145)

This module examines special rules of English property law relating to land. The first half of the course considers title to land with a focus on (i) the problems of unregistered title and the scheme of registration of title and (ii) acquisition of title by adverse possession. The remainder of the course is devoted to a detailed consideration in turn of the main types of property right, such as those of tenants and the more limited (positive and negative) rights of use or control typically granted to neighbouring landowners. The module aims to foster critical analysis of legal development in this field in its historical and socio-economic context. There will be opportunity in revision sessions to assess understanding by applying the law to problem scenarios.

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Illegality in English Private Law (233373)

Tues. 16:00 - 18:00 (SR 274)

In this course we critically analyse how English law - in the fields of contract, tort, and property law - handles the question of when considerations of illegality or related public policy should deny a party a right or a remedy. The focus of the course will be on identifying how the law has developed and critically analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches which have been adopted or widely advocated.

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Judges, Juries, and Lawyers (233391)

Thurs. 10:00 - 12:00 (SR 274)

In this course participants will study a variety of policy issues concerned with essential machinery for the administration of justice in England and Wales, namely the decision-makers who determine the outcomes of cases and the providers of legal services. With its emphasis on active participation, this course provides an opportunity to engage in debates concerning matters such as the policing of judicial impartiality, the role of the jury, and the 'cab rank' principle of the bar. Besides 'headline' issues, the course will address policy problems inherent in superficially more mundane issues of management and regulation in the judicial and legal services sectors and so assist students in building their ability to undertake detailed analysis in legal fields. Students will also profit from this course in receiving support in (further) developing their skills in reasoning and argument.

 

English_law mailing list

Information about academic legal events in English is distributed from to time via the Listserv mailing list "english_law". Interested students can enrol themselves on the mailing list via the infomation page for the mailing list.

For the information page for "english_law"  >>External link