Bachelor of Laws

To prepare the learner for a career in law as practising attorney or legal advisor/administrator (also prosecutor/magistrate) in the public or private sector, who can function as an independent accountable professional in a diverse and multicultural society.

To provide qualifiers with the theory, application (practical skills) and values of law and the legal profession.

To provide qualifiers with opportunities to pursue specialised areas in the field of law, through obtaining specialised and/or higher qualifications (the qualification serving as a foundation for further legal studies).

To provide South Africa with: Competent lawyers and legal advisors, for society in general, for government, commerce and industry;

Academic lawyers/scholars/researchers.

Recognition of prior learning

B. JURIS, B. PROC; other first degree.

GENERAL STATEMENTS

- The qualified learner will have the knowledge, competence and skills to

enter into legal practice;

function as a legal advisor, officer of the court, or any other officer in the administration of justice.

• The qualified learner will further have an understanding of, a commitment to and respect for the rule of law, natural justice, the protection of human rights, social and commercial morality;
• And will at all times strive towards the maintenance of the highest professional and ethical standards.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Learners will demonstrate

1. A sound working knowledge and an in depth understanding of substantive and procedural law, and
2. A specialised knowledge (at higher levels )in fields of specialisation of their choice
3. Applied competence in relation to problem solving skills (creative thinking) and advocacy skills to articulate legal argument in written an oral form, and
4. Basic professional skills, including client interviewing, legal drafting, (i. e. of pleadings, statements, agreements and other legal documents).
5. Reading, writing and drafting skills (including computer literacy) for purpose of accurately expressing ideas and explaining the application of legal principles to such ideas.
6. Ability to do basic research for purposes of the above, and for writing legal opinions.
7. Ability to work effectively as an individual, or in a group/team, to address legal problems.

OTHER CRITICAL OUTCOMES EMBODIED IN THE SPECIFIC OUTCOMES

1. Commitment to tolerance of diversity and a critical appreciation for the role of law in South African society and elsewhere;
2. Commitment to high professional and ethical standards;
3. Exploring education and career opportunities, and developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

1. -
2. Tracing historical development and philosophical bases of relevant legal principles;

• Defining and differentiate key concepts;
• Systematic exposure to relevant principles, theories and procedural rules.

1. -
2. -
3. Analysis of facts related to a legal problem and identification of the essential elements of the problem.

• Identification, finding (by consulting sources of law, i. e. case law, statutory provisions, legal text books and journals) analysis, interpretation and creative application of legal principles for purposes of solving the problem;
• Advice/opinions properly communicated by application of appropriate communication principles;
• Court processes correctly identified and procedural rules applied.

1. Find and select source materials;

• Critically read interpret, analyse, systematise and synthesise relevant reading materials; and
• Draw conclusions which are substantiated by the above;
• Proper documentation of all the above (i. e. in an opinion) which is linguistically and technically well presented and motivated

1. Clinical work, moot courts/mock trials, other group work.
2. -
3. Understanding and appreciation of professional code and rules effectively communicated by practical legal training case studies and simulated situations.
4. Education and career opportunities effectively communicated to learners in workshops/practical work.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT THE PURPOSE OF QUALIFICATION IS ACHIEVED

An integrated assessment will be applied at each exit level to assess

• Process
• Substance/knowledge
• Skills
• Values

Any one or combination of more than one of the following will be used to achieve an integrated assessment

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

• Simulations
• Moot courts
• Role plays
• Case studies/presentations
• Written/oral/practical examinations
• Self assessment
• Peer review
• Portfolios

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

• Written/oral/practical examinations
• Dissertation of limited scope