Explore UCD

UCD Home >

LAW10050

Academic Year 2022/2023

Constitutional Law: Institutional Framework of the Constitution of Ireland (LAW10050)

Subject:
Law
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Law
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Mr John O'Dowd
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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 Constitution 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.

The single assignment (100%) for the module is a compulsory problem question covering several distinct topics from across the course.

About this Module

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
Autonomous Student Learning

92

Lectures

24

Tutorial

3

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 In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment: Assignment: compulsory problem question covering several distinct topics from across the course Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No
100
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
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.