Many graduates of this programme with no prior legal experience will initially become legal executives before acquiring more senior legal positions. Legal executive duties involves preparing and processing legal documents and correspondence. Other duties include proof reading documents such as leases, contracts, wills and property conveyances. Sometimes you may be required to attend court with a solicitor. Graduate who already work in the legal field will enjoy increased career advancement and legal specialisation.

There are 6 key subject areas:

1. Sources of Law
2. The Irish Legal System
3. Constitutional Law
4. The Law of Contract
5. The Law of Tort
6. Criminal Law

Course Overview
Sources of Law:
Legal Documentation, Electronic Sources of Law, Citing Legal Materials, Primary Sources of Irish Law, Secondary Sources of Irish Law, Sources of Law, the European Union, Sources of Public International Law, Researching a Legal Topic, Legal Writing

Irish Legal System:
Irish Legal System, Development of the Irish Legal System, English Law,
Legal Profession, The Court system, The Management of the Court System, Civil & Criminal Procedure, Access to the Law, Remedies, Enforcement, Interpretation of Legislation, Delegated Legislation, Interpretation of Legislation, The Constitution & Its Interpretation, European Community Law, International Law

Constitutional Law (RoI):
Introduction, The People, the Nation & the State, The President and the Council of State, The Composition of the Oireachtas – The Functioning of the Oireachtas
The Government, International Relations, Separation of Powers, The Courts, Constitutional Issues in the Courts, Personal Rights and the Constitution, Equality, Personal Liability, Freedom of Expression & Assembly, Freedom of Association, The Family and Education, Property Rights
Freedom of Religion

Law of Contract:
Agreement, Offer & Acceptance, Consideration, Formation, Intention to Contract, Privity of Contract, Terms Express & Implied, Clauses, Consumer Protection, Vitiating & Voiding Factors, Mistake, Misrepresentation, Duress, Equitable Intervention, Illegality, Termination, Performance, Agreement, Breach, Frustration, Remedies, Underlying Principles,
Agency, Discharge

Law of Tort:
Introduction, Negligence, Duty of Care, Neighbour Principle, Duty of Care: Special Situations, Standard of Care, Causation & Damage, Defences, Defamation, Nuisance
Occupiers’ Liability, Trespass, Liability, Limitation, Damages

Criminal Law:
Criminal procedure, Crimes, Homicide, Offences, Defences
Degrees of participation in crime, Criminal liability

Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies – 3 Core Subjects

If you wish to work in conveyancing, property law, international law or Business Law then it is advisable that you continue with your studies and complete the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies. This involves successfully completing an additional three law modules which includes Property/Land Law, Public International Law and Company Law. Graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies enjoy real career progression and advancement because they have a better understanding of how the courts apply the law in more particular situations.  The Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies qualification will aid as a preparation for the Law Society Final Examination Part 1 (FE1).

There are 3 additional key subjects to study:

1.Property Law

2.Public International Law

3.Company Law

Course Content:

Property/Land Law: Ownership, transfer of land, rights, leasehold, licenses, servitude, covenants.

Public International Law: Nature and purpose of international law, territory, sovereignty, jurisdiction, immunity, state responsibility, international environment law, human rights, law of the sea.

Company Law: Nature of registered companies, articles of association, corporate transactions, membership, auditors, mergers, takeovers.

Cost & Duration
Diploma in Legal Studies is a 6 month evening course which is held one evening per week. The cost of the course is 1,650 euro plus exam fees of 300euro. The Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies involves completing an additional 3 law modules over ten weeks and the cost is 800 euro plus 150 euro exam fees.

Scheduled Dates 2008
Tuesday 7 October 2008, 18:30-21:30, 20WKS. (Summer Break Aug-Sept 08).