COURSE DESCRIPTION

PRU LAW 103/NEU LAW 103 I 24/25  Introduction to General Principles of Law             ( 3 Units; R; LH=45)

Objectives

The objectives of the course are to:

1.      Introduce students to the preliminaries of the Nigerian legal system and the legal profession;

2.      explain the meaning of law and the role it plays in the society;

3.      identify the role of the court system in the administration of justice in Nigeria;

4.      state the law-making process and interpretation of statutes;

5.      discuss criminal/civil law and procedures;

6.      introduce the basic principles of law of torts; and

7.      appraise the basic principles the law of contract.

 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, student should be able to:

1.      discuss the Nigerian legal system and the legal profession;

2.      explain the meaning of law and its importance in Nigeria;

3.      identify at least five roles of courts in Nigeria;

4.      explain the law-making process and interpretation of statutes;

5.      explain criminal/civil law and procedures;

6.      discuss at least three basic principles oflaw of torts; and

7.      explain at least three basic principles of law of contract.

 

Course Contents

Meaning of a Legal System; Overview of the Nigerian legal system; Meaning and sources of law; The Legal Profession and ethics of the profession; The Concept of Legal Research; Sources and functions of Nigerian Law; comparison of Common Law with Customary Law and Islamic Law as sources of the Nigerian Law; The Court Systems in Nigeria; the legislature and law-making process; interpretation of statute. Introduction to Criminal law and Procedure; Introduction to Civil law and procedure; Introduction to Law of Torts; Introduction to the Law of Contract; Introduction to Negotiable Instruments; Introduction to Company Law and Practice; Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution; Introduction to statutory law of Succession and Administration of Estates; introduction to Partnership Law Introduction to basic principles of Customary Law in Nigeria.