If you enjoy politics then public law is likely to be a favourite module of yours as it touches on many political areas from a legal perspective – think the type of debates surrounding Scottish independence and devolution. However, even if you don’t particularly like debating politics there is plenty of relevant modern day material in this module that may appeal to you.
Public Law A in the first semester looks at the nature of constitutionalism and the structure of the UK state whilst analysing core concepts such as governmental power, the rule of law and human rights. A lot of interesting changes have taken place in this field which you will have an opportunity to explore including the UK’s membership of the European Union, devolution and the adoption of the Human Rights Act. The second semester Public Law B course focuses on administrative law. A major part of the semester is spent examining the procedures and major principles of judicial review of administrative bodies. You will notice familiar names of public organisations such as Greenpeace cropping up during your studies. The course then moves onto aspects of civil liberties law including the powers of police to carry out stop and searches.
Compared to other modules such as Foundations of Tort and Contract Law, Public Law A has relatively little case law with the focus being on understanding core constitutional law concepts. Nonetheless, be prepared for more case law to arise in Public Law B so have note cards at the ready to begin learning more case names!