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PUL802Law3 Unitsintermediate

Comparative Constitutional Law II

This course provides an in-depth exploration of comparative constitutional law, focusing on the definition, scope, structure, and development of constitutional law. It examines the sources and functions of constitutions, separation of powers, rule of law, and conventions. The course also covers fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy, fundamental rights, impeachment, protection of public officers, fiscal federalism, delegated legislation, and constitutional interpretation. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of constitutional principles and their practical application.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Constitutional LawSeparation of PowersFundamental RightsRule of LawFiscal Federalism

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

Separation of Powers

2

Rule of Law

3

Fundamental Rights

4

Fiscal Federalism

5

Delegated Legislation

6

Constitutional Interpretation

7

Military Rule

8

Impeachment

9

Pre-Action Notice

10

Bill of Rights

Total Topics10 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

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Legal Practitioner

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Legislative Aide

Apply your skills in this growing field

Judicial Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Governance Expert

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

LawGovernmentPublic PolicyJudiciaryCivil Service

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

2h

Unit 1: Separation of Powers

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Understand the historical context and philosophical underpinnings of the separation of powers.
  • Analyze case laws such as Springer v Government of Philippines Islands and Liyanage v The Queen.
  • Differentiate between parliamentary and presidential systems regarding separation of powers.
Week
2

Module 1:

2h

Unit 2: Rule of Law

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 2: Examine the concept of the Rule of Law and its theoretical and practical aspects.
  • Analyze judicial opinions on the rule of law, including In Re: Mohammed Olayori and Ors and Elesie Agbai & 5 Ors v Samuel Okogbue.
  • Discuss the relationship between the rule of law and constitutional immunities.
Week
3

Module 1:

2h

Unit 3: Conventions

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 3: Understand the nature and role of conventions in constitutional law.
  • Analyze the case of Hon SL Akintola v Sir Adesoji Aderemi to understand the application of conventions.
  • Discuss the codification of conventions and their impact on constitutional harmony.
Week
4

Module 1:

2h

Unit 4: Federalism in Nigeria

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 4: Understand the principles and dynamics of federalism.
  • Analyze the case of Attorney General of Abia State Ors vs Attorney General of the Federation.
  • Discuss the distribution of powers between the federal and state governments.
Week
5

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: Separation of Powers

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 1: Understand the nature and scope of Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy.
  • Analyze the enforceability of socio-economic rights in Nigeria compared to other jurisdictions.
  • Discuss the historical context and evolution of these principles in Nigeria.
Week
6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: Fundamental Rights

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 2: Understand the fundamental rights under the 1999 Constitution.
  • Analyze case laws related to fundamental rights, such as Tony Momoh v Senate of the National Assembly and Shugaba Abdulrahaman Darman v Federation Minister of Internal Affairs.
  • Discuss the limitations and enforcement of fundamental rights.
Week
7

Module 2:

2h

Unit 3: Judicial Review

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 3: Understand the concept of judicial review and its scope.
  • Analyze the case of Ashwander v Tennesesse Valley Authority to understand the standards for judicial review.
  • Differentiate judicial review from appeal and understand the grounds for judicial review.
Week
8

Module 2:

2h

Unit 4: Bill of Rights in France, South Africa and Nigeria

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 4: Compare and contrast the Bill of Rights in France, South Africa, and Nigeria.
  • Analyze the historical context and philosophical underpinnings of each Bill of Rights.
  • Discuss the similarities and differences in the protection of individual rights.
Week
9

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: Impeachment

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 1: Understand the constitutional provisions for impeachment.
  • Analyze the process of impeachment for the President, Vice President, Governors, and Deputy Governors.
  • Discuss the case of Chief Enyi Abaribe v Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly.
Week
10

Module 3:

2h

Unit 2: Protection of Public Officers

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 2: Understand the protections afforded to public officers under the law.
  • Analyze the Public Officers Protection Act and the concept of constitutional immunity.
  • Discuss the case of DSP Alamieyeigha v Chief Saturday Yeiwa and Others.
Week
11

Module 3:

2h

Unit 3: Pre-Action Notice

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 3: Understand the purpose and requirements of pre-action notices.
  • Analyze the case of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife v RA Oliyide & Sons Ltd to understand the requirements for a valid pre-action notice.
  • Discuss the effects of non-compliance with pre-action notice requirements.
Week
12

Module 3:

2h

Unit 4: Fiscal Federalism

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 4: Understand the principles of fiscal federalism and revenue allocation in Nigeria.
  • Analyze the case of Attorney General of Ondo State v Attorney General of the Federation and 36 Ors to understand the constitutional powers related to revenue allocation.
  • Discuss the role of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
Week
13

Module 4:

4h

Unit 1: Delegated legislation

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 1: Understand the concept of delegated legislation and its forms.
  • Analyze the reasons for delegated legislation and its limitations.
  • Discuss the case of Re Delhi Laws Act to understand the scope of delegated legislative powers.

Unit 2: Constitutional and Statutory Interpretation

2 study hours
  • Review all course materials and key concepts.
  • Practice essay questions and case studies.
  • Focus on areas of weakness identified during the semester.

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.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed outlines for each module, focusing on key concepts and case laws.

2

Develop comparative charts for different constitutional systems (e.g., Nigeria, France, South Africa).

3

Practice applying legal principles to hypothetical scenarios, especially regarding fundamental rights and judicial review.

4

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and identify areas needing further study.

5

Memorize key constitutional provisions related to separation of powers, fundamental rights, and revenue allocation.

6

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 database concepts

7

Focus on understanding the legal reasoning behind landmark cases, not just the outcomes.

8

Allocate specific study time for each module, prioritizing areas of weakness.

9

Simulate exam conditions by completing practice questions within a time limit.

10

Review past exam papers to identify common question types and focus areas.

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