Studying constitutional law can be challenging, as it involves a complex and constantly evolving set of rules and principles that apply to various issues and contexts. Here are some of the challenges that students may face when studying constitutional law and some tips on how to help them with their essay:
- Complex legal language: Constitutional law can be challenging to understand due to its use of technical legal language and concepts. Students may struggle to comprehend legal texts and communicate their ideas effectively in their writing. To help students with this challenge, the mentor must explain legal terminology and concepts clearly and encourage them to practice writing in plain language.
- Interdisciplinary nature: Constitutional law is an interdisciplinary field that draws on concepts and ideas from various disciplines, including politics, history, and philosophy. This can make it challenging for students to integrate different perspectives into their writing and develop a nuanced understanding of the issues. To help students with this challenge, the mentor/tutor should encourage them to read widely on their topic and engage with different disciplines.
- Keeping up with developments: Constitutional law is constantly evolving, with new cases, legislation, and developments emerging all the time. This can make it challenging for students to stay updated with the latest happenings and incorporate them into their writing. To help students with this challenge, encourage them to stay updated with legal news and developments and to read widely on their topic.
- Research skills: Constitutional law requires strong research skills, including finding and analysing legal sources and identifying relevant cases and legislation. To help students with this challenge, the tutor must guide legal research methods and techniques and encourage them to practice using legal databases and resources.
- Critical thinking skills: Constitutional law requires students to develop strong critical thinking skills, including the ability to analyse and evaluate legal arguments and evidence. To help students with this challenge, the mentor should encourage them to critically engage with legal texts and arguments and develop independent perspectives.
TOverall, to help students with their essay in constitutional law, it is crucial to provide guidance and support on legal language, research skills, interdisciplinary perspectives, critical thinking, and staying up to date with developments in the field. Encouraging students to engage with legal resources and debates and providing constructive feedback on their writing can also help to build their confidence and skills in the field.
Modules under constitutional law:-
- Constitutional Theory and Practice: This module covers the fundamental principles of constitutional law, including the rule of law, constitutionalism, and the separation of powers.
- Constitutional Interpretation and Adjudication: The court’s role in interpreting and applying constitutional law is covered in this module and includes the different approaches to constitutional interpretation and the role of judicial review.
- Human Rights Law: This module focuses on the legal framework for protecting human rights, including the Human Rights Act of 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights.
- Comparative Constitutional Law: This module covers the comparative study of constitutional law, including the different approaches to constitutionalism and the role of constitutions in different legal systems.
- Devolution and Federalism: This module covers the legal framework for devolved government and federalism, including the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, and Northern Ireland Assembly.
- Freedom of Expression and the Media: This module covers the legal framework for protecting freedom of expression and the role of the media in constitutional democracies.
- Constitutional Reform: This module covers the legal and political issues surrounding constitutional reform, including the role of referendums and the process of constitutional change.
