https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121060 2026-07-12T10:28:39Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121263 Title: Faculty of Laws Newsletter : December 2023 : issue 14 Abstract: From time to time an academic member of staff reminds the rest of us what a difference it would make to our students, if the first year of their law studies was a foundation year. I cannot but agree with the idea of our students dedicating the first year of their law studies to topics such as legal history and philosophy, how to research and how to study law, and brushing up on their language skills too. Surely this would help them not only settle down in university life, but also be in a different and better frame of mind when they commence the substantive topics? I also think that it does not make sense to try to teach them Introduction to Law to name but one introductory subject, during the very same weeks and months that they are already learning Criminal and Constitutional Law. I am quite sure that the current system is not of advantage to our students; indeed several other academics tend to agree with me, but higher authority within the UM have always shot down the proposal for a foundation course in law put forward both by the current Dean and Prof. Kevin Aquilina during his tenure. 2023-12-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121185 Title: Faculty of Laws Newsletter : November 2023 : issue 13 Abstract: On 9th October 2023 the Faculty of Laws hosted Judge Vlad Neagoe from Romania, Judge Nicola Schmidt-Nissen from Germany and Judge Magdalena Wlodarczyk from Poland, who were on an exchange visit in Malta. While Judge Neagoe and Judge Wlodarczyk preside over criminal cases, Judge Nicola Schmidt-Nissen decides civil cases and even serves as a mediator in civil matters. They were accompanied by Madam Justice Consuelo Scerri Herrera, Madam Justice Joanne Vella Cuschieri and Ms Pamela Seychell. From the University’s part, the Dean was accompanied by Prof. Kevin Aquilina and Judge Lawrence Quintano. 2023-11-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121184 Title: Faculty of Laws Newsletter : October 2023 : issue 12 Abstract: A year ago, we published our first Faculty Newsletter; we experimented with formats for a while, until we settled with the current format which has so far proven to be comfortable and practical. I hope that this newsletter is serving its purpose, which is that of keeping in touch with you, filling you in with news, including about upcoming events and important decisions taken. So, as the newsletter celebrates its first anniversary, apart from wishing you a prosperous new academic year, which academic year promises to be full of hard work and challenges, I am pleased to make the first anouncement for this year, this being that once again we will be organising a visit to the Institutions. Last year we visited the Court of Justice of the European Union, this year we will be visiting the European Parliament in Brussels. 2023-10-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121264 Title: Faculty of Laws Newsletter : August 2023 : issue 11 Abstract: Summer is always hectic within the Faculty of Laws: we rush to correct literally hundreds of scripts, and when this is done, we have to deal with Revisions of Papers (RoPs), student feedback, and if that was not enough prepare the September resit paper. A very tough time indeed, and also, with all the new procedures we are faced with, it is turning out to be a considerable learning curve: we must continue with the implementation and utilisation of marking schemes and learn how to master them and utilise them properly, if necessary we must simplify the format of exam papers thus making the marking schemes more manageable. For example: set three questions, with no Parts A & B, thus making the allocation of points easier. 2023-08-01T00:00:00Z