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POL211Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Nigerian Legal System

This course introduces undergraduate Political Science students to the fundamental principles of the Nigerian Legal System. It explores the evolution, sources, and classification of law within the Nigerian context. Students will examine the legislative process, the role of the judiciary, and the relationship between law and political governance. The course also covers civil and criminal procedures, legal aid, and the importance of upholding the rule of law in a democratic society.

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150h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Nigerian Legal SystemSources of LawLegislative ProcessJudiciaryRule of 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

Evolution of Law

2

Morality and Law

3

Types of Law

4

Theories of Law

5

Nigerian Legislation

6

Criminal Procedure

Total Topics6 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

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Court Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Law Enforcement Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentLaw EnforcementJudiciaryLegal ServicesNon-profit

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

5h

Unit 1: The Concept and Evolution of Law

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand the concept and evolution of law, natural law, and its importance in society.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 3.1.

Unit 2: Law and Morality

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Differentiate between morality and law, and understand the role of custom in the legal system.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 3.1.
Week
2

Module 1:

5h

Unit 3: Types of Law

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Identify and explain the different types of law: eternal, divine, natural, and human law.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.

Unit 4: Theories of Law

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Discuss the natural law, historical, positive, sociological, and realist schools of jurisprudence.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
3

Module 1:

5h

Unit 5: Classification of Law

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Classify law into private/public, civil/criminal, substantive/procedural, written/unwritten, and municipal/international law.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
4

Module 2:

5h

Unit 1: Meaning of Law

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand the meaning of law, its duties, and its features.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.

Unit 2: The Nigerian Legal System

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Study the duality, external influence, and geo-cultural diversity of the Nigerian Legal System.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
5

Module 2:

5h

Unit 3: Sources of Nigerian Law

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Identify and explain the sources of Nigerian Law: local legislation, constitution, case law, English law, customary law, and international law.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 3.1.
Week
6

Module 3:

5h

Unit 1: Nigerian Legislation

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand primary and subsidiary legislation, Nigerian Customary Law, case laws and international law.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.

Unit 2: The Reasoning behind Legislation

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Study the dynamic nature of society, anti-social elements, and paradigm shifts in universal value.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
7

Module 3:

5h

Unit 3: Legislative Process

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Examine the legislative process under civilian and military regimes.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
8

Module 3:

5h

Unit 4: The Rule of Law and Political Governance

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Understand the meaning of the rule of law and its relation to political governance.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
9

Module 3:

5h

Unit 5: Tools of Social Control via Law

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Identify and explain the penal, grievance-remedial, public benefit conferral, constitutive, administrative regulatory, fiscal, and private arranging techniques.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
10

Module 4:

5h

Unit 1: Interpretation of Statues

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand canons of interpretation, why statutes generate arguments, and interpretation of the Constitution.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.

Unit 2: Justice and Rights

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Study Plato's, Aristotle's, Aquinas', and Hume's views on justice and rights.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
11

Module 4:

5h

Unit 3: Grounds for Criminal Liability And Punishment

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Understand grounds for criminal liability and punishment.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.

Unit 4: Recklessness, Negligence and Mens Rea

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Differentiate between recklessness, negligence and Mens Rea.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
12

Module 4:

5h

Unit 5: The Legal Profession in Nigeria

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Development of Legal Practice in Nigeria, those who can practice law in Nigeria, Duties of a Legal Practitioner
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
13

Final Revision

5h

Final Revision

5 study hours
  • •Review all modules and units.
  • •Work on assignments and prepare for final examination.

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

Create concept maps linking Module 1-2 legal concepts

2

Practice legal definitions from Units 3-5 weekly

3

Review case studies from Modules 5-7

4

Focus on key concepts

5

Review all TMAs

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