LAW10050 Constitutional Law: Institutional Framework of the Constitution of Ireland

Academic Year 2021/2022

This course examines the institutional structure of the state which is set out by the Constitution. It will detail the various institutions and offices which are established by the Constitution. It will also consider the way in which the Constitution's various provisions affect the relationship between the different branches of government. A number of core concepts will be discussed including democratic accountability, judicial review and the separation of powers. Broader questions of constitutional governance, concerning the divergence between the vision of government set out in the Constitition and the reality of how government works today, will also be referred to.Constitutional Law (of which this module forms a part) is an entry examination subject for both the Law Society and the Honorable Society of King's Inns.

As well as a two-hour examination - which counts for 85% of the assessment in the module - and marks for tutorial attendance and participation - which count for 5% - there will be a group presentation to be made in the tutorials, at varying points during the trimester, which will count for 10% of the module. This group presentation is part of the Legal Writing and Research programme across Level 1.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should, at a minimum, be able to:- State what are the main institutions of the State and the main functions of each.- Recognize the legal issues presented by a simple problem question on these topics.- Apply simple rules of law to such problems.- Use the appropriate technical legal terms to describe a given situation.- Analyse how relevant institutions and laws have changed and developed over time.- Construct and defend simple arguments building on the knowledge gained - Assess the wider systemic implications of particular issues of constitutional law.

Indicative Module Content:

The module will examine the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government in Ireland, from the perspective of Irish constitutional law and the way in which they interact with each other and with individuals, corporations and other governments.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Tutorial

3

Autonomous Student Learning

92

Total

119

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures will provide the basis for students' knowledge and understanding of the subject and will include detailed recommendations for further reading. The tutorials will give the opportunity for students to deepen their knowledge and understanding of specific topics, through class discussion and feedback from tutors. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Exclusions:

None.

Learning Recommendations:

None.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
LAW10440 - Law in Europe, LAW41990 - Advanced Constitutional Law 1


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Assignment: compulsory problem question covering several distinct topics from across the course Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

100


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The class will be given individual feedback on their assignments. The tutorials offer students the opportunity to give each other formative feedback on their work, as well as receiving feedback from the tutors.