Introduction To Law
- Law
- 100 level
- 3 credit units
- 231 pages
- 18 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assessments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of JIL100, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
JIL100 · UNIT 1.DEFINITION OF LAW
In this file you will find the details of the work you submit to your tutor for marking. The mark you obtain for these assignments will count towards the final mark you obtain for this course. Further, information on the assignments will be found in the assignment file itself.
What you should be able to do
- Define and differentiate various types of law.
- Identify and explain the sources of Nigerian law.
- Analyze the structure and functions of the Nigerian legal system.
- Apply legal principles to practical scenarios.
- Evaluate the role of law in society and governance.
What it prepares you for
- Legal Assistant
- Paralegal
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Compliance Officer
- Administrator
- Law Enforcement
- Government
- Judiciary
- Legal Services
- Corporate Governance
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module One: Definition Sources and Nature of Law
Unit 2: The Nature of Law in Society
Requires understanding of complex philosophical concepts and their application to legal systems.
- Module Three: Multiple Legal System
Unit 1: Customary Law
Involves grasping the nuances of customary law and its interaction with formal legal structures.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 120 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module One: Definition Sources and Nature of Law
Unit 1: Definition of Law · 8 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 2Module One: Definition Sources and Nature of Law
Unit 2: The Nature of Law in Society · 8 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 3Module One: Definition Sources and Nature of Law
Unit 3: The Sources of Nigerian Law · 8 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 4Module One: Definition Sources and Nature of Law
Unit 4: Historical Development of Nigerian Constitution · 8 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 5Module Two: The Purpose, Functions and Classification of Law
Unit 1: The Functions of Law in the Society · 8 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 6Module Two: The Purpose, Functions and Classification of Law
Unit 2: Classification of Law · 8 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 7Module Two: The Purpose, Functions and Classification of Law
Unit 3: The Nigeria Legal System · 8 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 8Module Two: The Purpose, Functions and Classification of Law
Unit 4: The Doctrine of Separation of Power · 8 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 9Module Two: The Purpose, Functions and Classification of Law
Unit 5: The Rule of Law under the constitution · 8 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 10Module Three: Multiple Legal System
Unit 1: Customary Law · 8 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 11Module Three: Multiple Legal System
Unit 2: Criminal Law and civil procedure · 8 hours
Define crime and its elements.. Differentiate between misdemeanors and felonies.. Explore general defenses to criminal liability, such as accident and mistake..
- Week 12Module Three: Multiple Legal System
Unit 3: Law of contract and commercial Law · 8 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 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 13Module Four: The Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria
Unit 1: The Nigerian Police · 8 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 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..
Preparing for the exam
- Review definitions of key legal terms and concepts from Units 1-3.
- Create a comparative chart outlining the different sources of Nigerian law (Unit 3).
- Practice applying the doctrine of separation of powers to hypothetical scenarios.
- Focus on understanding the elements of a valid contract and potential defenses (Module 3).
- Study landmark cases discussed in the course materials and their significance.
- Prioritize understanding the structure of the Nigerian court system and its hierarchy.
Questions students ask about this course
What is JIL100 about?
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.
How many units does JIL100 have?
JIL100, Introduction To Law, has 18 units across 4 modules, over 231 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is JIL100?
JIL100 carries 3 credit units, at 100 level in Law.
Is JIL100 hard?
JIL100 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does JIL100 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 18 units.
How is JIL100 assessed?
JIL100 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.
What can I do with JIL100?
Legal Assistant, Paralegal, Law Enforcement Officer, Compliance Officer and Administrator.