Information technology in the legal curriculum—reaction and realities*

Abstract

In the light of official apparent assumptions about the use and effectiveness of C & IT in teaching and learning this article, by reference to empirical studies carried out by the authors and others, offers observations and conclusions about the most effective use of CAL in delivering legal education. We detail the type of electronic packages used in delivering modules to Woherhampton students (studying both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes), evaluate their responses and conclude by making recommendations as to the most effective use of CAL in academic programmes; in particular that by itself it be limited to providing a foundation of basic legal knowledge upon which the higher cognitive skills can be developed by face to face contact     

Recent legal developments

Abstract

THE CASE of R (Pretty) v. Director of Public Prosecutions, gave the House of Lords the opportunity to comment on the issues surrounding the application of the European Convention on Human Rights to the crime of assisted suicide in the case of the terminally ill. A conservative approach was taken in relation to both this issue and indeed in relation to the possibilities of judicial control of the Law Officers of the Crown.     

The impact of TUPE on compulsory competitive tendering: Evidence from employers

The transposing of the 1977 Acquired Rights Directive into UK law has resulted in prolonged uncertainty regarding whether its protection of terms and conditions of employment extends to workers transferred under compulsory competitive tendering (CCT). In this paper we examine briefly the origins and scope of the directive and the development of relevant case law. We then report the results of a survey of employers confirming the existence of widespread confusion over the legal position of transferred employees. We also provide evidence that terms and conditions of employment are commonly being revised following CCT transfers. Concentrating upon the responses of contractors we show that any experience of litigation tends to lead to a less favourable assessment of the overall success of CCT. We conclude by examining both the causes and consequences of the continuing legal confusion associated with CCT transfers and consider the policy implications of our findings.