LAWS2041 Equity and Trusts
Module Overview
Equity and Trusts examines the origin of equity, and the principles associated with equity and trusts. It assesses critically the application of those principles to factual circumstances; the manner in which these principles affect people in their everyday lives; how those principles are to be reconciled with the principles governing the creation of express trusts, the imposition of trusts by law; how equity and trusts law adapt to changing social conditions.
Aims and Objectives
Module Aims
• to give you the opportunity to explore and understand the dynamic role of equity and, in particular, the trust, so that you can develop an understanding of the principles of the trust, the nature of the office of trustee and of the beneficial interests behind the trust; • to provide you with exposure to legal principles derived from a variety of legal instruments including primary materials found in reported cases and statutes and in some secondary materials of leading academic discourse; • to enable you to develop skills of legal analysis and problem solving in Equity and Trusts Law; • to encourage you to evaluate the flexibility of equity and the trust and its responsiveness to the ever changing circumstances of an evolving society.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the nature and operation of trusts in England and Wales
- the application of equity and trust principles to factual circumstances
- how equity and trusts law adapts to changing social conditions
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- identify and locate primary and secondary (including electronic) legal sources relevant to equity and trusts law
- analyse and assess legal materials by way of statutory interpretation, case analysis and review of secondary materials to identify, comprehend and evaluate fundamental legal principles and their impact upon contemporary issues
- from a given factual scenario: - identify the relevant legal facts and legal issues raised; - explain the law applicable to the identified legal issues; - apply the relevant law to the given facts; - examine uncertainties in the law and evaluate alternative approaches; - provide adequate support by reference to legal authority.
- produce effectively reasoned and structured responses to a given statement or proposition
- communicate in writing an understanding of equity and trusts law, its application to the solution of legal problems and the formulation of effective argument with clear and accurate use of language and legal terminology
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- analyse, interpret and evaluate complex material
- effectively apply knowledge to solve practical problems
- formulate an effectively reasoned and structured argument
- communicate and present written arguments supported by appropriate evidence and demonstrating an appreciation of academic integrity
Syllabus
The following is an indicative list of topics that will be covered during the module: • Origin and nature of trusts and express trust; • Express trust; • Beneficiary principle and unincorporated associations; • Formalities; • Duties of trustees and breach of trust; • Resulting trusts; • Constructive trusts; • Tracing.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include: • Lectures to provide you with knowledge, information and critique of equity and trusts law within a structured context; • Tutorials focused on developing your problem solving skills. Learning activities include: • Directed reading assisted by reading lists; • Accessing electronic resources in the form of legislation, journals and case materials; • Reviewing and critically evaluating complex material; • Tackling and solving factual legal problems; • Constructive participation in group discussions and exercises; • Managing tasks within a given timeframe.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Completion of assessment task | 10 |
| Follow-up work | 20 |
| Revision | 30 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 30 |
| Tutorial | 8 |
| Lecture | 22 |
| Wider reading or practice | 30 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Glister, J and Lee, J (2015). Hanbury & Martin Modern Equity.
Blackstone. Property Statutes.
Choose one of the mandatory texts listed below. These are supplemented by detailed reading lists for lectures and seminars, all available on Blackboard. Primary sources including cases and statutes, and some secondary sources (primarily journal articles.
Assessment
Formative
Essay
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination (2 hours) | 100% |
Repeat
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination (2 hours) | % |
Referral
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination (2 hours) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External
Costs
Costs associated with this module
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.
In addition to this, students registered for this module typically also have to pay for:
Printing and Photocopying Costs
Additional printing costs may apply.
Textbooks
Recommended texts for this module may be available in limited supply in the University Library and students may wish to purchase the core/recommended text as appropriate.
Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.