• Belser Wyss Eva Maria

• Oleschak Rekha

This course will NOT be streamed in the academic year 2024/25 due to its interactive character.

This course will introduce students to the special features of the English legal language and the fundamentals of Common Law legal systems. The course includes oral exercises, enhancement of legal English vocabulary, and developing research and writing skills in English. Through reading, writing and discussions of legal problems, legislation, cases and contracts, students will be able to enhance their legal English skills and be exposed to the system of common law at the same time. We will work predominantly with authentic legal texts, constitutions, legislation, executive orders and contracts. Additionally, we will work on short writing assignments in the form of legal blogs and moot court memoranda. Every session has a “teaching” part and an “exercise” part, the latter is an interactive session, where students work actively contributing to developing the outlines of the exercises and thus hone their own skills during the exercise. A reading list will be provided at the beginning of the semester; students will be expected to discuss aspects of the provided readings. Students will have to prepare assignments on the given dates (writing and presentations).

• Students will gain knowledge of the fundamentals of Common Law legal systems and develop a basic understanding of the commonalities and differences
• Students will develop their active use of legal English vocabulary
• Students will improve their speaking and writing skills in English
• Students will engage critically with legal materials such as constitutions, case reports, legislation, legal documents and news reports on legal issues
• Students will research and give a presentation on a chosen legal topic in English

• Written exam (on the substantive topics dealt with in class)

Documents will be available on moodle.

• Written exam (on the substantive topics dealt with in class)