LW2MLS-Malaysian Legal System

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Ms Sati Salmah Sukarmijan
Email: s.s.sukarmijan@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is only available to students in Malaysia. 

To introduce students to the Malaysian Legal System and basic Islamic Law.

Aims:

The module aims to introduce students to the essential features of the Malaysian legal system and how it operates in society, as well the organization and administration of the secular and Syariah legal system in Malaysia.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to demonstrate an:

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the nature, scope and features of the Malaysian Legal System;


• Appreciation of the sources of the Malaysian Legal System (including case law and statutory interpretation);


• Understanding of the functions of the institutions and systems with which the law is administered in Malaysia;


• Understanding of the foundational and historical aspects of the Malaysian Legal System and how the law has evolved based on the economic, social, cultural, commercial and political framework in Malaysia;


• Awareness of the nature of law, categories of law, the various possible approaches to law and the concept of a legal system.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop their oral communication skills through participation in tutorial discussions. Development of ICT skills will be encouraged through utilisation of electronic resources including databases and the Internet. Independent learning will be encouraged through the use of a self-study topic.

Outline content:

1. Historical background to the legal system in Malaysia                                                      


2. Sources of Law in the Civil Legal System                                                    


3. The Malaysian Court System                                                 


4. The Attorney General in Malaysia                                                   


5. The legal profession in Malaysia                                  


6. Alternative Dispute Resolution in Malaysia                                                 


7. Legal Aid in Malaysia                                                


8. Introduction to Syariah Law                                                 


9. Syariah Law in Malaysia                                                      


10. Islamic Family Law                                                   


11. The Syariah and Civil Legal Systems in Malaysia

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will be taught by lectures and tutorials predominantly in the Autumn and Spring terms.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20	20
Seminars	10	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	10	10
Wider reading (directed)	20	20
Exam revision/preparation			20
Preparation for seminars	10	10
Completion of formative assessment tasks	10	10
Reflection	10	10
Total hours by term	90	90	20
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One three-hour examination paper where students will be required to write 4 answers from a choice of  questions.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Tutorials (Non Assessed) – Tutorial questions are given to students in advance and students are required to come prepared for a discussion (please refer to Tutorial Guide).  During these discussions, students’ knowledge and understanding of the law will be monitored, feedback given and required subject related skills will be taught and emphasised.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

As for the original examination but taken in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023