Public Law

Public Law is an engaging, compulsory module that will introduce you to constitutional law, administrative law and human rights law.

You will typically journey through:

• key constitutional principles (separation of powers, the rule of law, parliamentary sovereignty, constitutional conventions)
• the legal framework underpinning the UK judiciary, executive and Parliament
• judicial review, inquiries, tribunals and ombudsmen
• The Human Rights Act 1998 and the question of a British Bill of Rights

We begin with an introductory workshop, which will familiarise you with the political and legal structures that make up the UK’s constitutional framework. Then we venture into an innovative mix of traditional lectures, problem-based workshops, and small-group seminars, all of which cement the connections between key legal theories and their practical, real-world application.

You will engage with a series of short legal problems through group discussions, critically analysing arguments in legal journals and reading cases for your coursework, as well as preparing a group presentation.

You will be taught by academics who are researching constitutional theory, constitutional conventions, and/or human rights law. They will support you to develop understanding, deepen your legal knowledge, and hone your critical evaluation skills.