Introduction to the Irish Legal System (Taster Course from DLSP)
Course Overview
Students will gain an understanding of the Irish legal system.
This module will develop the understanding of the branches of the legal profession, their key roles and functions and how they are inter-related.
This course focuses on the development of professional skills; while it does not sit on the national framework, the module is drawn from Griffith College’s suite of QQI-validated programmes.
Why Study the Irish Legal System at Griffith College?
This module aims to introduce students to the following:
- Both what ‘law’ is and the difference between a common law and a civil law system.
- The historical development of the Irish legal system and in particular the influence of the reception of the Constitution of 1937.
- The doctrine of precedent and increase the learners’ awareness of the structure and jurisdiction of the various courts in the Irish court system.
- The knowledge of the sources of law, in particular, the Irish Constitution of 1937.
- Introduce learners to the concept of legal reasoning.
Intake Dates
We run on campus and online intakes for this course, commencing as follows:
- Autumn: September*
Subject to sufficient numbers*
Please see the timetable section for the course dates.
Course Details
Introduction to the Irish Legal System Subjects
- Introduction
- Sources of Law –national and international
- The Irish Courts
- Legal Personnel
- The Doctrine of Precedent
- International Law - European Union Law; the European Convention on Human Rights
- Legal Research
- Legal Writing
Timetables
Dublin Main Campus: This course will next commence in September 2025. It will run one evening per week (Wednesday) from 6.00 pm - 10 pm over 5 weeks, course dates outlined below.
Online Delivery: This course will next commence in September 2025. It will run one evening per week (Monday from 6.00 pm - 10 pm over 5 weeks, course dates outlined below.
Course dates are subject to change. Please contact professionalacademy@griffith.ie to request a timetable
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
Mature Students
If you are 23 years or over from the 1st January of this year, you can apply for this course directly using the College’s online application form.
Under 23 Years
Old Leaving Cert (Pre 2017)
Min. 5 OD3's in the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent award and 1 year's legal experience.
New Leaving Cert
Min. 5 O6/H7's in the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent award and 1 year's legal experience.
English Language
If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard. For further information please contact a member of the Admissions Team.
Griffith College is now accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. Please see here for further details.
How to Apply
Directly to Griffith College Professional Academy.
Fees
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Part-Time
Dublin - Main Campus
Fee: € 479.16
Progression
What further study can I do?
Further to completion of this module, learners are recommended to continue their studies at Griffith College by applying for our Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice course.
