Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies

This one-year programme is designed primarily for those who wish to obtain a foundation knowledge in the core principles of Irish Law, perhaps with a view to pursuing a career in the legal field. It is geared towards graduates from non-legal backgrounds, together with individuals working in the legal field who have no prior formal legal education.

Course Aims & Objectives

The course will provide an introduction to the core aspects of Irish law and the legal system, as recognised by the legal profession. It is intended to provide an understanding of Constitutional Law Principles, Contract, Tort, Criminal and Company Law issues and the law as it relates to property in Ireland. Students will consider existing statutory provisions, review the relevant case law and be exposed to the published views of a variety of legal theorists and scholars.

Students may study a further two modules in addition to the Diploma in Legal Studies modules in order to be awarded the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies. This qualification will aid as a preparation for the Law Society Final Examination Part 1 (FE1) examinations. The Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies is awarded by the Institute of Commercial Management.

Diploma in Legal Studies: 1-6 Modules

Course Content

1. Contract Law
This module is aimed at providing students with a fundamental knowledge of how to create a legally binding contract, the formal requirements of a contract, the various factors that can vitiate consent in a contract, and how a contract can be lawfully discharged as well as the remedies available for breach of contract.

2. Company Law
The purpose of Company Law is to familiarise students with the formal requirements of incorporating a limited liability company, to outline the effect of incorporation, to explain the various categories of securities held by a company, as well as the role of various officers, including Directors and Shareholders, in the management and day to day running of the company. The module also examines how a company can be liquidated.

3. Tort Law
Torts are concerned with civil wrongs whereby one party causes damage to another party. The module explains the nature and function of torts and then examines certain torts in detail, including negligence, product liability, trespass, defamation, nuisance and liability for animals and fire. The module also discusses the remedies available to a litigant who has suffered damage and the possible defences that can be claimed by the wrongdoer.

4. Constitutional Law
The aim of this module is threefold, namely: to provide the student with an understanding of the origins of power within the Irish State and to outline the separate role and function of the Irish Government, the Oireachtas and the Courts. To examine the constitutional relationship between the Irish State and the European Union. To evaluate citizens constitutional rights, including the right to life, personal property, religion, livelihood, family etc.

5. Property Law
The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the various methods of ownership of property. It examines such areas as tenures, estates & equitable interest’s. The module also reviews the limitations of the Landlord and Tenant Acts and the Succession Acts and discusses the formal requirements of Wills and the effect of intestacy (where no will is made).

6. Criminal Law
This module aims to provide the students with a comprehensive understanding of criminal theory and logic. The module is broken down into distinct areas, namely: Fatal Offences against the Person e.g. Murder & Manslaughter, Non-Fatal Offences against the Person e.g. Attempted Murder, Assault & Battery and Public Order Offences e.g. Road Traffic Offences, Public Indecency. Each area is reviewed by reference to the appropriate case law.

Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies: 1-8 modules

7. European Law
This module will deal with the primary and secondary sources of EU law, the EU institutions and the procedure for passing law, as well as the enlargement of the EU and the Draft Constitutional Treaty. The impact of European legislation on national legislation will also be reviewed – with particular emphasis placed on economic freedoms, competition law, litigation, consumer law and social policy.

8. Equity
The law of equity comprises a body of rules and principles developed by the Court of Chancery in order to mitigate the rigours of the common law. This module examines the general principles of equity, the law relating to private and public or charitable trusts and the administration of trusts, focusing on the powers and duties of trustees. It also covers equitable remedies such as injunctions, specific performance, rescission and rectification and examines the principles relating to tracing and proprietary estoppel.

Assessment

The Diploma in Legal Studies is assessed by written examinations. Two subjects are studied at a time and are examined respectively. Thus exams are held in December, March and June. The Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies exams are held in December, March, June and August.

Career Opportunities

The Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies is suitable for those who wish to gain knowledge of Legal theories and practices in order to aid them in their career progression and development. It is an ideal course for Civil Servants, Garda, and nurses or for those who wish to pursue a career as a legal secretary or Solicitors clerk/assistant. It is also ideal for anyone in the business or management field who deals with legal issues on a day-to-day basis.