1. Foundation Law 2013/14
1
Lecture 1
Introduction to Law
Reading List:
 Jacqueline Martin, “GCSE Law”, 5th
edition, chapter 1- “Introducing Law”, pages 1-8
 Glanville Williams: Learning the Law, 15th
edition, pages 3-4 (“Crimes and civil
wrongs”), pages 17-18 (“Elementary legal terminology”) and pages 20-21 (“Public and
Private Law”)
Preparatory Questions for Seminar 1:
1. Explain what is meant by the public and private (civil) law. Give an example of an area of
law which falls under each branch.
2. Outline the differences between the public criminal law and private (civil) law.
3.
a) Explain what is meant by the terms the burden and standard of proof.
b) What is the standard of proof in the criminal law and private (civil) law and upon
whom does the burden of proof rest?
c) Why is the standard of proof higher in the criminal law than the private (civil)?
4. Explain what is meant by “double liability”.
Turn Over
Learning Outcomes:
 Understand the different classifications of law;
 Show awareness of why the law is needed in society;
 Explain the difference between a law and a rule, and what makes a law enforceable;
 To be able to explain the difference between the public law and private (civil) law;
 Outline the differences between the criminal public law and private (civil) law and particularly the
different levels or “standard of proof”; and
 Understand what is meant by double liability.

2. Foundation Law 2013/14
2
Consolidation Tasks:
1. Give an example of a crime and a civil wrong in your country of origin. Who will bring
the action against the defendant and why do you think this law was introduced? (You will
be presenting this during the seminar next week.)
2. Start putting together a glossary of legal terminology and write in your own words,
definitions of the terms that you encounter during the course of your studies.