Module manager: Dr. Zoe Tongue
Email: Z.Tongue@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Completion of 40 credits of Law modules at level one.
| LAW1200 | Foundations of Law |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module examines the legal rules and concepts regulating intimate or domestic relationships between adults. The social context in which the law operates will be stressed, in particular the relationship between the law and the changing social structure of the family.
In this module we look at the legal rules, concepts and values which govern and regulate intimate or domestic relationships between adults. In broad terms the syllabus covers the formation of family relationships through marriage, civil partnerships and cohabitation. It also considers how family law can protect victims of domestic abuse, the basis for divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships and what happens in relation to disputes over money and property on the breakdown of marriage or civil partnership.
Broadly the approach taken is socio-legal in that you will consider the law within a broader historical, social and political context. You will also develop specific technical skills, particularly in handling statutory material as most of family law is grounded in statute.
By the end of this course a student should be able:
- to explain, analyse and evaluate the legal rules, concepts and values governing and regulating intimate or domestic relationships;
- to demonstrate the development of the law, including the institutions and procedures, within a broader historical, demographic and social context;
- to promote critical and informed discussion of the relationship between families and the state, the interface between family law and family policy and the roles of men and women within families, and to introduce the various theoretical perspectives on family law.
This module provides provide practice in the development of a number of skills: in particular, the specific skill of locating and applying relevant statutory and case materials to the legal problems which arise when family relationships break down.
Theoretical approaches to family law.
What is the family?
The formation of marriage and civil partnerships.
The legal consequences of marriage, civil partnership and cohabitation.
The protection of family members from domestic abuse.
Relationship breakdown – divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships.
Money and property on divorce and dissolution.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line Learning | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1.5 | 7.5 |
| Private study hours | 176.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 23.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
The online learning element is broken down into 15 minute tasks, there will be 20 x 15 minute tasks overall.
A formative assessment opportunity will be provided.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Open Book exam | 48.0 Hrs Mins | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team