This course provides a brief introduction to the Common Law System, which is the dominant system of law throughout the Commonwealth Caribbean, and the “mixed” system of Common Law and Civil Law in the case of St. Lucia, and the Common Law and Roman-Dutch Law in the case of Guyana. The bulk of the course, however, focuses on the study of legal reasoning under the Common Law System, such as obtains in England and the Commonwealth Caribbean, and begins with an overview of the Court Structure of the Commonwealth Caribbean.
2 Assignments - 25%
Final Exam -75% (face-to-face)
Required Text: Antoine, Rose Marie (2006) Commonwealth Caribbean Law and Legal Systems London: Routledge Cavendish.
The course aims to introduce students to the general management of a law firm/office. They will be introduced to basic structure of a firm, inherent systems, basic accounting, ethics and professional responsibilities as well as the role the paralegal plays in legal system.
This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of legal research and writing. Students are exposed to the use of reference books and materials and instructed in the location and basic analysis of cases and legislation. Emphasis will also be on the development of basic skills in legal writing and reasoning. Students practice analyzing legal authority in case law and statutes and learn how to develop a legal argument.
The course seeks to provide an overview of the process of civil litigation in the High Courts, in the context of the new Civil Procedure Rules in force in the OECS territories. In addition to focusing on the procedural rules, attention will be given to developing practical skills such as preparing and drafting basic documents used in civil actions, such as statements of case and affidavits.
Assessment:
2 Assignments - 25%
Final Exam -75% (face-to-face)
This course introduces students to the procedural and practical aspects of the Criminal Law. Students will be taught how to draft and prepare forms and pleadings used in the Criminal Procedures process.
This course seeks to introduce students to the general principles of the criminal law. Students will also be introduced to specific crimes recognized by the criminal law including murder, manslaughter, assault and battery, rape and theft.
