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Study information

Trusts

Module titleTrusts
Module codeLAW3041B
Academic year2022/3
Credits30
Module staff

Dr Timon Hughes-Davies ()

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

12

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

30

Module description

This module will develop your understanding of the general principles of the law of Trusts, both in their own right and within the wider context of property law, and to do so by concentrating on selected topics which are studied in depth.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aims of the module are:

 

  • To achieve a critical understanding of the general principles of the law of Trusts, both in their own right and within the wider context of property law, and to do so by concentrating on selected topics which are studied in depth.

 

  • To achieve flexibility in the study of Trusts law, and selectivity within the considerable amount of material, so that problems in Trusts law can be correctly identified and addressed succinctly and accurately with full legal authority.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. demonstrate detailed, comprehensive knowledge of the law of Trusts and a substantial range of major concepts, values and principles relevant to its application;
  • 2. compare, analyse and synthesise the principal rules and theories relating to the law of Trusts;
  • 3. select and assess appropriate techniques of evaluation and evaluate selected aspects of the law of Trusts critically.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 4. define complex legal problems, identify their relative significance and select appropriate methods for investigating and critically evaluating them;
  • 5. select, integrate and present, coherently and reflectively, relevant law and legal/theoretical arguments

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 6. demonstrate engaged, effective and accurate communication skills in a manner appropriate to the discipline / different contexts;
  • 7. identify, retrieve and use efficiently a range of resources with minimum guidance;
  • 8. demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, to complete a specified task.

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

 

  • Private Trusts: Introduction; historical contextualisation; Distinction of trusts from other legal concepts; Creation of trusts; Formalities; Discretionary trusts.

 

  • Trusts Administration: Introduction to Trusteeship; Remuneration of trustees; Duty to maintain equality between beneficiaries; Investment; Powers of maintenance and advancement.

 

  • Other Trust Matters: Implied and Resulting trusts; Constructive trusts; Breach of Trust; Personal Remedies and Tracing;

 

  • Charities: Different forms of charity; Charities Act 2006 and the work of the Charity Commission and Charity Tribunal; Charitable nature; Disqualifying factors; Public benefit; Regulation of charities; Cy Pres doctrine.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
552450

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity5522 x 2.5 hour seminars
Guided Independent Study151Individual reading and seminar preparation
Guided Independent Study94Assessment preparation

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Essay1,000 words1-8Individual written feedback (with oral feedback upon request)

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
40600

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Essay401,500 words1-8Individual written feedback (with oral feedback upon request)
Examination (take-home, open book)602 hours intended duration (within a 24-hour submission window)1-8Individual written feedback (with oral feedback upon request)
0
0
0
0
0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
EssayEssay (1,500 words)1-8August/September re-assessment period
Examination (take-home, open book)Examination (take-home, open book; same as above)1-8August/September re-assessment period

Re-assessment notes

 

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

There is no single set text, but you are advised to ensure you have access to the latest edition of one of the following textbooks:

Virgo, G, The Principles of Equity and Trusts (currently 4th ed. 2020) Oxford University Press

Moffat, G., Trusts Law, Text and Materials (currently 7th ed. 2020) Cambridge University Press

Martin, J., Hanbury and Martin: Modern Equity (currently 22nd ed. 2021) Sweet & Maxwell

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

 

Key words search

Private Trusts, Trusts Administration: Introduction to Trusteeship; Remuneration of trustees; Duty to maintain equality between beneficiaries; Investment; Powers of maintenance and advancement.

Credit value30
Module ECTS

15

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

6

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

01/10/2001

Last revision date

21/07/2022