PY5315 Philosophy of Law

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

To be confirmed.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr B Hillier-Smith

Dr B Hillier-Smith
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr B Hillier-Smith

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module covers the relationship between morality and the law, while also attending to whether the various understandings of that relationship are compatible with classic political principles such as the harm principle and the principle of liberal neutrality. It focuses broadly on two questions: whether the law generates moral reasons and whether it should be used to enforce morality. No prior exposure to philosophy of law is presumed.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

New Coursework (5,000-word essay) = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 hours.