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JIL100Law3 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Law

This course introduces students to the legal tradition in Nigeria, emphasizing its multicultural context and the federal constitution's suitability. It explores the nature, scope, and significance of law, along with the development of legal institutions. The course covers sources and classification of law, focusing on the Nigerian legal system and judicial precedent. Students gain foundational knowledge of criminal law, law of torts, contract law, and principal-agent relationships, preparing them for further legal studies or careers.

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208h

Study Time

13

Weeks

16h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Nigerian LawSources of LawLegal SystemCriminal JusticeContract Law

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📚

Math Level

No Math

📖

Learning Type

Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definition of Law

2

Nature of Law

3

Sources of Law

4

Nigerian Constitution

5

Criminal Law

6

Contract Law

7

Customary Law

8

Judicial Precedent

Total Topics8 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Legal Assistant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Paralegal

Apply your skills in this growing field

Law Enforcement Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Compliance Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Law EnforcementGovernmentJudiciaryLegal ServicesCorporate Governance

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module One: Definition Sources and Nature of Law

8h

Unit 1: Definition of Law

8 study hours

•Understand the concept of law, its definition, and its distinction from morality.
•Analyze Austin's Command theory and its limitations.
•Explore the relationship between law and morality.

Week

2

Module One: Definition Sources and Nature of Law

8h

Unit 2: The Nature of Law in Society

8 study hours

•Examine the nature of law and its universal characteristics.
•Differentiate between natural law theory and the sociological school of law.
•Understand the relationship between moral facts, social facts, and legal content.

Week

3

Module One: Definition Sources and Nature of Law

8h

Unit 3: The Sources of Nigerian Law

8 study hours

•Identify and describe the primary and secondary sources of Nigerian law.
•Understand the role of the Constitution, legislation, English law, customary law, judicial precedent, and international law.
•Explore the influence of government bodies on legal frameworks.

Week

4

Module One: Definition Sources and Nature of Law

8h

Unit 4: Historical Development of Nigerian Constitution

8 study hours

•Trace the historical development of the Nigerian Constitution.
•Analyze the impact of military rule on constitutional development.
•Understand the doctrine of separation of powers and its application in Nigeria.

Week

5

Module Two: The Purpose, Functions and Classification of Law

8h

Unit 1: The Functions of Law in the Society

8 study hours

•Understand the purposes and functions of law in society.
•Examine the role of law in establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes, and protecting liberties.
•Differentiate between written and unwritten law.

Week

6

Module Two: The Purpose, Functions and Classification of Law

8h

Unit 2: Classification of Law

8 study hours

•Explore the different classifications of law, including public and private law, civil and criminal law, and substantive and procedural law.
•Understand the distinctions between municipal and international law, and common law and equity.
•Analyze the burdens of proof in civil and criminal cases.

Week

7

Module Two: The Purpose, Functions and Classification of Law

8h

Unit 3: The Nigeria Legal System

8 study hours

•Examine the structure of the Nigerian legal system, including the hierarchy of courts.
•Understand the influence of English common law and the presence of legal pluralism.
•Analyze the roles of various government bodies in the legal system.

Week

8

Module Two: The Purpose, Functions and Classification of Law

8h

Unit 4: The Doctrine of Separation of Power

8 study hours

•Understand the doctrine of separation of powers and its application in the Nigerian context.
•Analyze the roles and responsibilities of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
•Explore the concept of checks and balances.

Week

9

Module Two: The Purpose, Functions and Classification of Law

8h

Unit 5: The Rule of Law under the constitution

8 study hours

•Explore the meaning and elements of the rule of law.
•Understand the principles of supremacy of law, equality before the law, and predominance of legal spirit.
•Analyze the modern concept of the rule of law and its significance.

Week

10

Module Three: Multiple Legal System

8h

Unit 1: Customary Law

8 study hours

•Understand the meaning and nature of customary law.
•Identify the characteristics of customary law and its sources.
•Analyze the tests that customary law must pass to be recognized in Nigerian courts.

Week

11

Module Three: Multiple Legal System

8h

Unit 2: Criminal Law and civil procedure

8 study hours

•Define crime and its elements.
•Differentiate between misdemeanors and felonies.
•Explore general defenses to criminal liability, such as accident and mistake.

Week

12

Module Three: Multiple Legal System

16h

Unit 3: Law of contract and commercial Law

8 study hours

•Understand the definition and elements of a contract.
•Explore the requirements for offer, acceptance, intention to create legal relations, and consideration.
•Analyze the processes of contract termination and the nature of damages for breach of contract.

Unit 4: family law

8 study hours

•Explore the meaning of business and commercial law.
•Understand the types of business and commercial transactions.
•Analyze the role of agency in commercial law.

Week

13

Module Four: The Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria

16h

Unit 1: The Nigerian Police

8 study hours

•Understand the functions of the Nigerian Police in the administration of criminal justice.
•Explore the organizational structure of the Nigerian Police.
•Analyze the powers and duties of the police as provided by the constitution.

Unit 2: The Federal/ State Ministry of Justice

8 study hours

•Examine the role of the Federal/State Ministry of Justice.
•Understand the functions of the Attorney General.
•Analyze the various departments within the ministry.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review definitions of key legal terms and concepts from Units 1-3.

2

Create a comparative chart outlining the different sources of Nigerian law (Unit 3).

3

Practice applying the doctrine of separation of powers to hypothetical scenarios.

4

Focus on understanding the elements of a valid contract and potential defenses (Module 3).

5

Study landmark cases discussed in the course materials and their significance.

6

Prioritize understanding the structure of the Nigerian court system and its hierarchy.

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