LAW5105 Law of the European Union

The aim of the module is to introduce students to some fundamental characteristics of the law of the European Union. The course is designed to emphasize certain aspects of EU Law of particular relevance to the study of law in the UK in a post-Brexit context.

The module will start by introducing students to the historical development of the European Union, its institutional framework, the main legal instruments through which EU Law operates. The emphasis in this part of the module will be to bring to the fore the specificity of the EU legal order compared to both national and international law. Students will then develop a thorough knowledge of the key legal principles on which the European Union’s ‘single market’ rests, in particular the rules relating to the free movement of goods and free movement of persons in the European Union. We will also situate the single market in its wider international context by looking at other forms of economic relationships between the EU and its neighbours and other third countries, with particular emphasis on the relationship with the UK after Brexit. Finally,  the mechanisms for the enforcement of EU law, in particular its enforcement in the national courts will be explored.

In terms of legal skills, the module particularly emphasises problem-solving, critical analysis of legal doctrines and analysis of legislative texts.