RATIONALE
The Family Law module provides a close socio-legal investigation of a highly important and litigious area of law surrounding the private lives of citizens, and how we protect vulnerable individuals. It is a practical application of many principles that students will already have studied in their degree, namely the theoretical principles which underlie the law. It analyses how the law impacts on society, and how we can better protect the relevant stakeholders involved. Students will engage with topics such as how the state governs marriage, and how it reflects certain principles of civil law relating to contracts. It also investigates the moral issues surrounding the depth of the state’s interaction with private relationships, especially surrounding the dissolution or ending of long -term relationships. As part of this, students are introduced to the special position of the child as a vulnerable member of the relationship, and how the state should protect their interests. This will require students to interpret and analyse case law and legislation in this difficult area of law, along with various academic commentaries. These skills are then supported by the use of problem-based learning and assessments, which further develop the oral and written advocacy of the students.

AIMS
Through the completion of this module students will:
●    Examine concepts and principles of Family Law in common law.
●    Understand the substantive legal provisions applicable to marriage and cohabitation and to the relationship between parents and children 
●    Critically examine principles of Family Law in a range of legal contexts in relation to civil and criminal law.
●    Critically analyse the historical, social, political, and economic functions of the family from a range of perspectives. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
1.    Understand concepts and principles of Family Law. 
2.    Demonstrate the basic legal position of people in a number of different family relationships.
3.    Examine principles of Family Law in a range of legal contexts in relation to civil and criminal law.
4.    Demonstrate understanding of the historical, social, political, and economic functions of the family from a range of perspectives.