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Lecturer(s)
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Vystrčilová Renata, PhDr. Ph.D.
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Bell Ian David, Ba.
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Přidalová Eva, Mgr.
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Tozzi di Angelo Kamila, PhDr.
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Valentová Adéla, Mgr.
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Šťastná Terezie, Mgr.
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Course content
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Topics: 1. What is law? 2. Legal language 3. Sources of law 4. Legal Education and Professions 5. Classification of Law 6. Introduction to Constitutional Law 7. Judiciary
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook), Group work, Analyzing and producing audiovisual content, Listening
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Learning outcomes
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During the course of Legal English, students become familiar with the issues of professional language, with English terminology of basic legal branches and gain basic knowledge of the Anglo-American legal system and English terminology in the Czech legal context. The course includes a transition from basic understanding and communication in familiar contexts to more advanced and differentiated use of professional English. Students will gradually deepen their linguistic competence and knowledge of legal terminology, jargon and other linguistic devices, enabling them to better understand and interpret legal information. At the same time, they will be able to engage more effectively in moderately complex legal discussions in English, formulate arguments more clearly and accurately in both oral and written speech, and perform well in academic settings and in interactions with foreign clients or in other situations requiring proficiency in professional English.
Developed language competencies after two semesters of the Legal English course: Listening Students will be able to identify professional legal terminology in spoken English and to estimate the legal context in which the terminology is based. They will be able to follow longer spoken speech on a legal topic, such as discussions, lectures or presentations, and to pick up the gist of more complex arguments and some details when the speech is presented with standard pronunciation and at a moderate speed. In addition, they will understand a range of television news and current affairs programmes and understand in more detail the information conveyed during meetings, negotiations and court hearings, especially in relation to topics covered during the course. Readings Students will be able to understand and interpret basic English legal texts such as simplified versions of statutes, case summaries, simple contracts or simplified legal decisions. They will also be able to identify the main ideas in more complex legal documents such as legal opinions or legislative texts. During the course, they will expand their vocabulary of legal terms and, using a dictionary or other reference material, will more often understand their meaning in context. Speaking Students will be able to engage effectively in moderately challenging discussions on common legal topics in English and use the legal concepts they have learned, expressing their own opinions on basic legal issues and supporting their opinions with logical arguments. They will also be able to give a prepared presentation on a legal topic using appropriate legal terminology and effectively explain the concepts used. They will be able to handle most situations in a legal environment, for example, dealing in English with colleagues or clients on routine matters. Writing Students can use English legal terminology correctly in the context of a writing task, summarising facts, legal issues, arguments and conclusions. They are also able to formulate an opinion in writing on commonly known legal topics and support it with appropriate arguments. They will be able to communicate in writing legal information in the legal areas covered, for example in a report or email.
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Prerequisites
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Students enter the course with the required knowledge of general English at a minimum B1 CEFR level. Enrolment in the subject is not conditioned by the completion of another subject.
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Student performance, Written exam
Written credit test, active participation in seminars, attendance.
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Recommended literature
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Brown, G. W., Rice, S. (2007). Professional English in Use. Cambridge University Press.
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Garner, B.A. (2019). Black's Law Dictionary. NY.
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Chromá, M. (2010). Anglicko-český právnický slovník. Leda, Praha.
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Chromá, M. (2010). Česko-anglický právnický slovník. Leda, Praha.
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Chromá, M. (2012). New Introduction to Legal English, Revised Edition. Praha, Karolinum.
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Lindner,A.,Firth,M. (2008). Introduction to International Legal English. Cambridge University Press.
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Tozzi, K., Přidalová, E. (2020). Legal English, 3rd revised edition. Praha:Leges,2020.
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