Introduction to law

• Common law


  Law based on judicial decisions and customs and practices
• Customary law prevails
• The law is carefully made by the people for the people
• Legislation

  Law made by the government
• Case law

  Law based on judicial decisions made in previous cases
• Customary law


  Law based on the customs and practices of a particular group of people
• The law is made by the state to identify and solve political, economic, and social problems
• Functions of the law

  • Setting pre-existing, impartial rules, based on criteria that can be used to judge and settle conflicts
  • Protecting the rights and freedoms of the individual
  • Making change possible
  • Facilitating or protecting society by serving as a framework defining orderly conduct
• The law is made by the state to benefit all with no exclusion to others
• Conflict between laws


  Customary law prevails
• Roman-Dutch law


  Law based on Roman law and Dutch law
• Role Players


  • Person
  • Name
  • Office
  • Tel./Ext.
• The first part deals with the roots of law and answers questions such as "what is the law?", "where does our law come from?", "where can we find the law?", "who are the people in the legal profession?", and "what are the structures within which they operate?"
• This module is designed for students who will eventually become legal practitioners and administrators and who will be required to give legal advice and carry out administrative responsibilities respectively
• The course is meant to provide students with a broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of the legal system
• The course aims to develop skills and attributes in the analysis of different forms of law sources and other branches of law to advance knowledge, construct arguments, and draw conclusions based on legal authority
• The second part introduces the specific branches of law, including public and private law, as well as substantive and procedural law
• The course is divided into two parts
• Linguistic skills, problem-solving, critical-thinking, research skills, e-learning, group work, and the management of voluminous information are all necessary skills introduced to first-year law students through engagement with the discourse of law in the course content
• The course is designed to give an introductory understanding of the history, structures, scope, and principles of the South African legal system
• The B. Proc and B. Juris programmes have been phased out since 2004
• Exit level Outcomes
• Name of the Qualification/Programme: Bachelor of Laws (LLB F)
• The LLB degree is a sought-after qualification that opens many doors for the graduate
• The LLB is the only recognised qualification for legal practice
• Module Title: Introduction to Law
• Level Descriptors of the Module: NQF Level: 7
• Rationale for the Degree
• Learning Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria
• A lawyer can have various careers such as attorney, advocate, magistrate, judge, prosecutor, legal adviser, diplomat, or senior executive in the business world
• Module Code: LPI 113E
• Learning Components: Structure of the Course/Module
• Credit Value: 8
• Legal training develops skills in the mastery of hard facts and theory, articulate and logical reasoning, and communication. A successful student will acquire these qualities advantageous for leadership in society
• Place in Programme: Core in Bachelor of Laws (LLB) / Core or optional in various B.Comm/B.Soc. Sci curricula
• Consultation hours

  The Lecturer will be available to meet students by appointment through e-mail or immediately after the Lecture on the day in question. If the Lecturer is not available, the Administrator should be approached. This consultation is reserved for matters pertaining to the content of this Module only
• The module is an introductory study of South African Law to gain basic knowledge, skills, and attributes in the analysis and solution of contemporary challenges relating to law
• CONTACT DETAILS Role Players

  • Lecturer: Prof N Ntlama-Makhanya, HOD Ms N Mbolambi, Class Representative & Tutors (To be elected by the class), Senior Students: Faculty’s appointment, Faculty Manager Ms K Mkiva, Manager: Student Development Unit (TLC)
• Associated tasks
• Associated Assessment Criteria