Jurisprudence - Law and Politics

This module examines a number of the major theories of law and state from the foundations of the modern British constitution to the present day by requiring students to read and discuss in small groups extracts from original texts.
The Module explores the operation of the law through an examination of both classical and modern legal theories. The aims include: a) To enable students to understand the political nature and implications of theories and relate them to past and present controversies concerning the purposes and functions of law
b) To locate legislative and judicial power within the context of the structure of the state and to show the influence of economic and political factors in the evolution of state structure and law.
c) To enable students to understand by examination of specific examples how fundamental issues and principles influence more detailed outcomes of the legislative and judicial process.