​This is a skills-based course intended for students new to the study of law at a tertiary level or new to the study of law in a common law jurisdiction. The course aims to:

• introduce students to the concept of law, the study of law and the role of legal skills in the law degree;
• familiarise students with the way the law operates in common law jurisdictions;
• develop students' ability to read and analyse common law cases;
• develop students' ability to interpret statutes and constitutional documents;
• develop students' legal research skills;
• develop students' legal writing skills.

The skills developed during this course will remain relevant throughout students’ academic careers, particularly during the study of ‘black letter’ law subjects. LLB and JD students are co-taught in lectures.

Remarks for Examination:

3-hour unseen open-book examination testing students’ ability to analyse statutes and cases, and to write and edit for a legal audience. To be completed individually.

Grading of Student Achievement: Standard (A+, A, A-…F).

Further details of the assessment scheme will be provided during the first lecture.

Students will need to pay careful attention to their time management skills, and to the university's Academic Honesty policy: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/pvdp/ah/ah-rules.htm

To pass this course LLB students must obtain an aggregate mark of 40% and a minimum of 30% in each of the continuous assessment and the examination components of the assessment. Continuous assessment for this purpose means all activities and assignments other than the end of semester examination.