Corsi di Studio del Dipartimento di Giurisprudenza

The primary aim of the course is to concentrate on aspects of the language of legal English. We will do this by looking at the English legal system, its courts and the legal profession. Specific laws and cases will be discussed, as well as the language used in international legal contexts and some difficulties involved in translating legal documents.

Demonstration of the development of language skills in English to a B1+/B2 level as related to the topics covered in the course. 

40 hours of classroom lessons, conducted in English. The lessons will be student-centered with an emphasis on participation (pair work, small work, group discussions) in the form of various activities as contained in our textbook. Supplementary materials and resources will be provided as necessary.

As with any language class, it's best to study in a consistent manner outside of classroom hours. Students will therefore be expected to do a significant amount of work on their own.

For the exam, students will be required to present an extended essay in English. This essay will be a 2,500-word paper (excluding abstract, notes, bibliography, tables, illustrations, etc.) on a "legal" topic. Content beyond 3,000 words will not be read. The topic could be something related to:

--a law

--a statute

--a particular case

--something historic or

--something relating to the linguistic features of law

The paper must be in English (if any other languages are used then full translations must be supplied) and is then present (without reading) and discussed at the exam.

All sources must be included, preferably using the Harvard Bluebook method.

**THE PAPER SHOULD NOT BE A CASE BRIEF. INFORMATION RELATED TO THE PAPER WAS SENT VIA EMAIL. 

Students will be evaluated on the content of their paper; the presentation; the knowledge of the subject; as well as on the linguistic aspects (grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, intonation). Students are expected to show an understanding of the legal systems in English-speaking countries and will be questioned on the books listed in "Required Materials.". Equal weight is given to all aspects.

The subject of the paper must be approved AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE EXAM DATE AND SUBMITTED TO ME VIA EMAIL (in Word or Open Office format) according to the following schedule:

For May 31/June 1 exams:  no later than Friday, May 25, 2018

For June 14/June 15 exams:  no later than Friday, June 8, 2018

For July 5/July 6 exams: no later than Friday, June 29, 2018

For July 9 exams: NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2018***

For September 10/September 11 exams: NO LATER THAN MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2018***

Students must register for the exams using the "appelli" link.

Handouts and additional references will be provided as needed. I will be available before and after the lessons to answer questions on an as-needed basis.

The course will cover three parts. The components include revision and consolidation of English grammar, syntax and general and specific (legal English) lexical items; study skills and strategies in the four areas of language learning (reading, writing, listening and speaking); and practical applications of these language skills using a range of general and specific legal texts. Topics specific to legal English will include:

--the common law legal system and legal language

--the English legal system

--the U.S. legal system

--the legal profession

--legal discourse in legislative documents

--the administration of justice

--a judgement in the European Court of Justice

--European human rights law

--international conventions

--international contracts

The course has one required book, which we will use during every lesson. You must bring it with you to each lesson. This is:

• Garzone, Giuliana and Rita Salvi, "Legal English," SECONDA EDIZIONE, 2007, Egea (ISBN 978-88-238-2082-1)

I highly recommend the following text as well (REQUIRED FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT ATTENDING THE COURSE/NON-FREQUENTANTI). Even though this is not a legal writing course, the information contained in the following book will be extremely useful to you as a student writing in legal English, as well as later in your legal careers:

• Garner, Bryan A., "Legal Writing in Plain English, A Text with Exercises," second edition, 2013, The University of Chicage Press, ISBN 978-0-226-28393-7

Recommendations for grammar books, dictionaries (general as well as legal English), and other materials will be provided in class and on request, as necessary.

The course meets on Thursday and Friday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. IN AULA C1, Campus Einaudi. The first lesson is Thursday, March 1. The last lesson is May 11