Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Civil Law
SCQF level: 10:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: LAW10117
Module leader: Gius Di Donato
School The Business School
Subject area group: Law
Prerequisites

Requisites: AND Pre-requisite: Obligations 1 (LAW07110); Obligations 2 (LAW08124); Property Law (LAW08118); Family Law (LAW07112)
Description of module content:

You will begin by examining the various Roman law sources during the Monarchy, the Republic, and the Empire, as knowing the context will allow you to appreciate the peculiarities of Roman law and its different classifications. This, in turn, will enable you to identify and reference the appropriate Roman legal sources, depending on the specific legal issue at hand. Next, to obtain insight into the Roman jurists' mindset, you will delve into the Roman litigation system, observing both how trials were conducted, and how judges and magistrates concretely operated. In fact, Roman jurists adopted a practical, procedural perspective, due to which a right exists only if there is a legal remedy to enforce it. Subsequently, you will explore specific areas of Roman law, including laws pertaining to individuals (Law of Persons and Family Law), Property Law, and Obligations (Law of Contract and Delicts). Whilst Roman Law of Property and Obligations is mentioned as the (first) requirement for entry to the Faculty of Advocates, understanding the other topics mentioned is essential for comprehending the Roman society and its legal framework. Through specific references during the discussion of these topics, finally, it will be illustrated how Roman law has influenced the European legal tradition and its presence in Scotland.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically identify and apply the Roman law sources, especially the ones which refer to the Roman law of persons, property, and obligations

LO2: Critically analyse how Roman law is used in Scotland

LO3: Conduct independent research in Roman private law and adeptly convey the findings in written form

LO4: Understand the origin and explain the real sense of some terms which, originating from Roman law, are commonly used without an exact understanding of their true meaning
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: CRAIGLOCKHAR
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Gius Di Donato
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Seminar 30 Seminars will be used to illustrate the fundamental aspects of the various course topics, stimulate group discussion, and foster critical thought about the subject. TEST
Online Guided independent study 170 You will prepare for the seminars by reading and performing seminar tasks.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Essay 50 3~4 Week 10 , WORDS= 2500 words To demonstrate an appropriate understanding of Roman law, you will undertake a written assessment of approximately 2,500 words. Its function is to ensure that students understand the ways in which Roman law was and still is applied and the circumstances in which a Scottish court will turn to Roman law in seeking a solution
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 50 1~2~3~4 Exam Period HOURS= 3.00 hrs The end-of-module exam aligns to LOs 1-5. The function of the assessment is to ensure that you (a) understand the Roman system of law; (b) understand how Roman law is applied in modern Scottish practice; and (c) are capable of utilising Roman law themselves to solve contemporary legal issues.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
LAW10117 Civil Law
 

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