Law Family & Society module (LW31003)

With a focus on both Scottish and English law, you will explore a number of contested areas in family law. You will look at the relationship between the law’s recognition and regulation of family life and changing social attitudes and practices.

You will broaden your knowledge of the law and the shifting boundaries between public and private law in the context of the family and develop an awareness of different political and cultural approaches to families and family matters.

You will explore selected topics in family law to consider the interests and policies underlying the law and whether the legal regimes meet the needs of all in a diverse society.

Specific topics considered include:

• human rights and family rights of all, but in particular of children and women
• the rights of prisoners and their families
• the responses to domestic abuse and to forced marriage
• the property interests of cohabiting couples when the relationship ends

You will also consider why law reform has been seen as necessary, at least by some, and why certain reforms succeed or fail.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• consider the contemporary institution of the family and the way in which the law both shapes and responds to changes in family structure, roles, and perceptions
• broaden your knowledge of the law and the shifting boundaries between public and private law in the context of the family 
• broaden student awareness of different cultural approaches to families and family matters
• consider selected contemporary problems associated with family law 
• consider ways in which the law might be reformed.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• appreciate diversity in notions of family  
• critically discuss the present law and identify areas of concern  
• gain competence in researching legal topics in a broader context 

locate, assimilate, and select relevant legal and other materials.

Assignments / assessment

• research essay (40%) 
• online exam (60%)

Teaching methods / timetable

• seminars
• independent study

Taught through ten two-hour seminars based on topics and reading indicated in detail in advance. These contain individual and group oral and written work, directed and independent research and presentation.