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Introduction to the Rule of Law

Investigate the Judiciary system and the Rule of Law, and investigate how it affects us in the UK with this online course from the University of Law.

Duration

3 weeks

Weekly study

4 hours

100% online

How it works

Unlimited subscription

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What is the Rule of Law?

The Rule of Law is integral to upholding our fundamental rights and freedoms in the UK.

On this three-week course from the University of Law, you’ll consider what is meant by the Rule of Law, focussing on the role of the Judiciary and the interconnection between the Rule of Law and our human rights.

Explore the separation of powers and the role of the Judiciary in the UK

You’ll learn what is meant by the separation of powers, and examine the roles of judges (the Judiciary), the government and its agencies (the Executive), and Parliament (the Legislature).

Using examples and case studies throughout, you’ll put this knowledge into context and reflect on the actions of each power within various scenarios.

With this knowledge, you’ll be able to critically analyse the powers and procedures of the Judiciary, Executive, and Legislature.

Examine the process of judicial review

A judicial review refers to procedures taken to investigate the lawfulness of actions taken by a political body.

You’ll hear from real judges and explore judicial review cases, allowing you to debate the effectiveness of the Judiciary and assess the appropriateness of their response.

Discover how the Rule of Law protects human rights

Criminal law, human rights, and the Rule of Law are all intrinsically linked in the UK.

You’ll learn how the Rule of Law protects those accused of crimes, and understand how it is upheld by the UK Judiciary through the protection of human rights.

You’ll finish this course understanding the Rule of Law and its application in various contexts, whether to challenge the actions of the government, or to protect freedoms and rights. You’ll also be equipped with the knowledge to assess the effectiveness of the Judiciary and explain your reasoning.

Week 1
What is the Rule of Law?
- Introduction to the Course, and Week 1
  This is an introduction to the course, explaining the course learning outcomes, course structure and how your learning will develop. You will also look ahead to Week 1, on understanding what the Rule of Law means.
- What is the Rule of Law?
  In this activity, you will be introduced to the different definitions of the Rule of Law, how the different approaches would work in the real world, and which of the definitions we use in the UK.
- Can you recognise the Rule of Law?
  You will be given an opportunity to work through some activities, to see if you can spot a breach of the Rule of Law.
Week 2
The Rule of Law in the UK
- Introduction to Week 2
  This is an introduction to Week 2, in which you will learn more about how judges protect and uphold the Rule of Law in the UK, and how they protect our rights.
- Who does what?
  This is where you will learn how the UK works, and how judges uphold the Rule of Law in the UK.
- Judicial Review
  You will learn about key cases in which the UK judiciary have upheld the Rule of Law, and you will have an opportunity to work through some interactive exercises to see how your understanding of the Rule of Law has developed.
Week 3
The Rule of Law & Human Rights
- Introduction to Week 3
  This is an introduction to Week 3, which looks at how the Rule of Law protects individuals and is upheld through human rights laws, both in the UK and internationally.
- The Rule of Law and Human Rights
  You will learn how the Rule of Law influenced the development of international human rights laws, and in particular the European Convention on Human Rights.
- Conclusion of the Course
  Congratulations, you have reached the final unit of this course, which includes a test, a questionnaire on your feelings about the role of Judges in upholding the Rule of Law in the UK, and review of the Learning Outcomes.