Comparative Constitutional Law
- Law
- 700 level
- 3 credit units
- 200 pages
- 16 units
This course explores the fundamental principles and administration of constitutional law within a state. It examines the structure and development of constitutions in Nigeria, including their sources and functions. Topics covered include separation of powers, rule of law, federalism, fundamental rights, and delegated legislation. Students will analyze landmark cases and constitutional provisions to understand the dynamics of constitutional law in Nigeria.
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 LED714, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
LED714 · UNIT 1: SEPARATION OF POWERS
As a general rule inherent in the American Constitutional system, that unless otherwise expressly provided or incidental to the powers conferred, the legislature cannot exercise either executive or judicial power, the judiciary cannot exercise either executive or legislative power.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the concept of separation of powers and its application in Nigeria
- Analyze the role of the judiciary in interpreting constitutional provisions
- Evaluate the impact of military rule on constitutional law
- Discuss the legal framework for revenue allocation in Nigeria
- Identify the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution
What it prepares you for
- Legal Practitioner
- Judge
- Legal Advisor
- Policy Analyst
- Legislative Aide
- Government
- Law Firms
- Non-profit Organizations
- Judiciary
- Legislature
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2:
Unit 2: Fundamental Rights under the 1999 Constitution (as amended)
Understanding the nuances of fundamental rights requires careful analysis of constitutional provisions and case law.
- Module 3:
Unit 1: Impeachment
The impeachment process involves complex legal and political considerations, requiring a thorough understanding of constitutional procedures.
- Module 4:
Unit 2: Constitutional and statutory interpretation
Constitutional and statutory interpretation involves applying various rules and principles, requiring critical thinking and analytical skills.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 58 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: Separation of Powers · 3 hours
Read the introduction to understand the focus on the doctrine of Separation of Power.. Study the views of jurists and case laws related to the doctrine..
Unit 2: Rule of Law · 2 hours
Review the definition of Rule of Law.. Identify the signposts that evidence the Rule of Law..
- Week 2Module 1:
Unit 3: Conventions · 3 hours
Define Conventions and understand their position in the legal system.. Study the case analysis of Hon SL Akintola Vs Sir Adesoji Aderemi..
Unit 4: Federalism in Nigeria · 2 hours
Explain federalism as a form of government.. Determine federalism under the 1999 Constitution..
- Week 3Module 2:
Unit 1: Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy · 4 hours
Understand the concept of Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles.. Do a comparative analysis of the concept in Nigeria and other jurisdictions..
- Week 4Module 2:
Unit 2: Fundamental Rights under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) · 4 hours
Explain the concept of Fundamental Rights.. Determine the extent of the rights and their limitations..
- Week 5Module 2:
Unit 3: Fundamental Rights in other jurisdictions · 4 hours
Study Fundamental Rights in other jurisdictions.. Understand the concept of Bill of Rights..
- Week 6Module 2:
Unit 4: Bill of Rights · 4 hours
Understand the concept of Bill of Rights.. Study Bill of Rights in France, South Africa and Nigeria..
- Week 7Module 3:
Unit 1: Impeachment · 4 hours
Describe the subject of impeachment in light with the provisions of the Constitution.. Explain what the Constitution says on impeachment..
- Week 8Module 3:
Unit 2: Protection of Public Officers · 4 hours
Describe the Constitutional provisions for the immunity and protection of serving elected officers.. Study the case of DSP Alamieyeigha v. Chief Saturday Yeiwa and Others..
- Week 9Module 3:
Unit 3: Pre-Action Notice · 4 hours
Determine the modalities of pre-action notice.. Explain what it entails, how it operates, and the position of the law when it is not complied with..
- Week 10Module 3:
Unit 4: Fiscal Federalism · 4 hours
Discuss the provisions of the Constitution on Revenue mobilization and allocation.. Study the relevant cases on fiscal federalism..
- Week 11Module 4:
Unit 1: Delegated legislation · 4 hours
Describe what delegated legislation is.. Explain what a delegate does..
- Week 12Module 4:
Unit 2: Constitutional and statutory interpretation · 4 hours
Discuss the various canons of interpretation and their limitations.. Study the case of Chief Obafemi Awolowo v Alhaji Shehu Shagari..
- Week 13Module 4:
Unit 3: Military rule · 4 hours
Trace the history of Military rule in Nigeria from 1960 to 1999 and their various features.. Understand the features of military rule..
Unit 4: Decrees and ouster clauses · 4 hours
Describe the various details of Ouster clauses.. List the hierarchy of laws under the Military regime..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking separation of powers, rule of law, and fundamental rights.
- Analyze landmark cases on fundamental rights, noting key legal principles and dissenting opinions.
- Outline the steps in the impeachment process, including the roles of different government branches.
- Compare and contrast revenue allocation formulas under different constitutional regimes.
- Practice applying canons of statutory interpretation to hypothetical legal scenarios.
- Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and focus on areas where you received lower scores.
- Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and share different perspectives.
- Create flashcards for key legal terms and definitions.
- Allocate specific study time for each module, prioritizing more challenging units.
- Take practice exams to simulate the exam environment and assess your knowledge.
- Focus on understanding the practical implications of constitutional law in real-world scenarios.
- Pay close attention to the specific wording of constitutional provisions and statutes.
- Develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate legal arguments.
Questions students ask about this course
What is LED714 about?
This course explores the fundamental principles and administration of constitutional law within a state. It examines the structure and development of constitutions in Nigeria, including their sources and functions. Topics covered include separation of powers, rule of law, federalism, fundamental rights, and delegated legislation. Students will analyze landmark cases and constitutional provisions to understand the dynamics of constitutional law in Nigeria.
How many units does LED714 have?
LED714, Comparative Constitutional Law, has 16 units across 4 modules, over 200 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is LED714?
LED714 carries 3 credit units, at 700 level in Law.
Is LED714 hard?
LED714 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does LED714 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 16 units.
How is LED714 assessed?
LED714 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.
What can I do with LED714?
Legal Practitioner, Judge, Legal Advisor, Policy Analyst and Legislative Aide.