Course Content
Company Law:
This module introduces the learner to the legal framework and the fundamental principles which are relevant to those who seek the benefit of corporate personality for the purposes of their businesses, while also considering sole traders and partnerships as alternative business forms. All the major areas of company law will be covered from company formation, officers, corporate finance, internal management issues, through to winding up and protection orders.
Contract Law:
This module introduces the learner to the fundamental rules and regulations that govern contract law. It focuses on four key areas, the key requirements to create a valid contract, the rules regarding contractual formalities, the vitiating factors that impact the validity of a contract, and the rules regarding contractual discharge and remedies. Furthermore, it introduces learners to the notion of employment contracts, and the key statutory requirements that must be complied within the context of these contracts.
Constitutional Law:
This module introduces the learner to the fundamental principles of constitutional law. In particular, the module with introduce learners to the Irish Constitution, focusing on the roles and functions of various organs of states, with a particular emphasis on the doctrine of separation of powers. The issue of fundamental human rights, both enumerated and un-enumerated will also be explored, as well as the superior courts role in the recognition and vindication of these rights. Learners will also be introduced to the concept of family law within the remit of this module.
Tort Law:
This module introduces the learner to the fundamental principles of the law of tort. It starts by exploring the elements of the tort of negligence, its defences and remedies, and then goes on to explore specific torts such as nuisance and defamation, as well as more commercially based torts, such as product, occupiers and employers liability, amongst others. It also reflects on the statute of limitations and its impact.
Criminal Law:
This module introduces the learner to the fundamental principles of criminal law. It will review the foundational concepts of criminal law, such as the elements of criminal offences, criminal procedure and defences, as well as inchoate offences. Learners will then be exposed to the specific elements of various offences, such as fatal offences and non-fatal offences, sexual offences, and property related offences, and the penalties for the commission of these offences.
Property Law:
This module introduces the learner to the fundamental principles of property law in Ireland, as well as the rights and liabilities arising under it. It will examine the concepts of property law, the development of property law and how property law is structured. The various estates, interests and rights which make up ownership will be considered, as well as the registration of these estates and interests. The module will also review the mechanisms for the transfer and acquisition of these estates and interests, both inter-vivos and upon death, with a particular focus on the law of succession.
European Law:
This module introduces the learner to the history and evolution of the European project from its original incarnation as an economic community (i.e. European Economic Community (E.E.C.)) to the much broader focus of the European Community and European Union. The relationship between national and EU law will be examined along with the significant role of the European Court of Justice in developing the fundamental freedoms (e.g. free movement of goods and workers) and the general principles (e.g. fundamental rights and equality) upon which the legal order of the Union is now based.
Equity Law:
This module introduces the learner to 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 estoppel.