Studying at York
Family Law - LAW00026I
Module summary
This module seeks to provide students with a fascinating introduction to Family Law via both a theoretical and practical point of view. It's subject area which is constantly in the news, whether it be high-profile divorces, fights over property, finances and children, or simply consideration of what we actually mean by *family* in the 21st century. It covers domestic violence and how the family courts can protect victims and their children, cohabitants and their rights - or lack thereof - plus how family cases link into many other areas of law.
This module can be taken as a standalone subject, or - if students wish to advance their learning and undertake a practical family law module - as a prerequisite to the Family Law in Practice module in Year 3, Term 2.
Related modules
This module can be taken as a standalone module/subject, or - if students wish to advance their learning and undertake a practical family law module - as a prerequisite to the Family Law in Practice module in Year 3, Term 2.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
This module seeks to provide students with an introduction to Family Law by both a theoretical and practical point of view. Students will examine issues including:
- the concept of the family (what the law recognises as a family relationship and the extent to which the law s protections reflect wider social realities);
- the formation and dissolution of marriages and civil partnerships;
- entitlements to property during marriages and civil partnerships and following the breakdown of such relationships;
- the role and status of children within family relationships;
- the protection of persons within families from abuse;
- procedures for resolving disputes within families both within and outside of the court system
In addition to identifying the law on the subject matters above, the module will involve the examination of theoretical literature (both within the law and more generally) to enable students to evaluate current laws and practices from a critical perspective.
Module learning outcomes
At the end of the module students will be able to demonstrate:
- Understanding of how a family relationship is defined legally and what protections the law offers to a family so defined;
- Understanding of the powers the courts have to control the property of family members and the principles under which those powers are exercised;
- Understanding of how the welfare of children is promoted by laws and legal procedures;
- The ability of evaluate the concept of the family and how it is protected or controlled by legal process;
- The ability to describe and evaluate the use of court processes to protect the interests of family members.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Comments on assessment within timescale set by university policy.
Indicative reading
- Gillian Douglas, An Introduction to Family Law (2004, OUP)
- Brenda Hale & David Pearl, The Family, Law & Society (2008, OUP)
- Nigel Lowe & Gillian Douglas, Bromley s Family Law (2006, OUP)