QUESTION:

What are the principal institutions of the European Union? To what extent do these institutions engage with the sources of EU law?

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this written assignment is for you to provide a comprehensive description of the main institutions of the European Union, (“the EU”), and also a description of how these institutions interact with the sources of EU law.
TASKS:

You should identify the principal EU institutions and assess their individual composition, function and status within the overall EU structure. An analysis of each principal institution in turn is recommended. You can also refer to other less important institutions but you should be aware of the parameters of the overall word count. You should remember that this is a law assignment and not a political assessment. You should therefore avoid providing a political analysis.

You are permitted to provide a historical description of the evolution of the EU and the Treaties, but such description should be limited. When describing the institutions you should also give a description of the legal basis for each institution and, where relevant, the institution’s legal function. You will then be expected to explain the different types of EU law and the sources of EU law. You are additionally expected to provide a conclusion which addresses both parts of the question and assesses the extent to which the institutions engage with the sources of EU law.

Your assignment must be electronically submitted via Blackboard by 11.59pm on Tuesday 29th March 2016. No other method of submission will be accepted. You are strongly recommended to complete your assignment in good time for the 29th March deadline.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

You should present the assignment in the form of an essay of not more than 1500 words. You will be expected to refer to the recommended textbook, Law for Business Students, Adams, A. (8th Edition). Credit will be given where you have clearly shown independent research by reference to other relevant textbooks, internet resources and legal journals/articles – In such event you should provide a detailed bibliography identifying your sources. The bibliography does not form part of the overall word count.
ASSESSMENT:

The written assignment will be marked out of 100. Your assignment counts towards 50% of the overall mark for the LAW4A1 Module.

Marks will be given for:

• Quality of response to the presented question.
• Demonstrating a broad knowledge and general understanding of the main areas covered by the presented question.
• Demonstrating awareness and understanding of the specific issues raised by the presented question.
• Collection, comparison and synthesising relevant information from different sources.
• Presentation of an analytical conclusion in response to the presented question.