FACULTY OF LAW

REGULATIONS FOR THE UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMME BACHELOR OF LAWS (LLB) (HONOURS)

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 These regulations shall be read in conjunction with the General Academic Regulations for undergraduate degrees hereinafter referred to as the General Regulations.

1.2 The degree will be awarded to candidates who have successfully completed an approved programme and passed examinations in accordance with the General Regulations.

2. CAREER PROSPECTS

2.1 The Bachelor of Laws Honours Degree graduates can be employed as Legal Practitioners, Magistrates, Prosecutors, Legal Advisors and Company Secretaries

3. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Normal Entry

3.1.1 To qualify for normal entry into the Bachelor of Laws Honours Degree programme, a candidate, must satisfy the minimum requirements as prescribed under the General Regulations and in addition, the candidate must have passed English Language with at least a B or better at `O' Level, and must also have obtained a pass in `A' Level English Literature or History and any two `A' Level subjects from the Humanities, Social Sciences, Commercials or Sciences.

3.1.2 The following subject weighting shall be used in considering the applicants:

Essential 3 points

English Literature, History

Relevant 2 points

Other Humanities, Commercials, Social Sciences

Desirable1 point

Science Related subjects

3.2 Special Entry

3.2.1 To qualify for special entry into the Bachelor of Law Honours Degree Programme, a candidate, must have completed a relevant Diploma in the legal field e.g. Civil Service Law, Diploma in Local Governance, Police Diploma etc.

3.2.2 The candidate must also have passes in 5 "O" Level subjects including English Language.

3.3 Mature Entry

3.3.1 Refer to Section 3.3 of the General Regulations.

3.3.2 No candidate may complete the degree in less than three academic levels.

3.3.3 Successful completion of Work Related Learning component at Level IV is compulsory for all candidates.

4. DURATION

The programme shall normally be completed over a period of ten semesters on a full-time basis.

5. GENERAL PROVISIONS

5.1 A candidate is required to register for a minimum of four (4) modules per semester

5.2 The Work Related Learning level is worth forty (40) credits.

5.3 The Department may accept students discontinued from other degree programmes on condition that they meet the entry requirements and subject to availability of places.

6. ASSESSMENT

6.1 Evaluation of students shall normally be based on continuous assessment as well as formal university examinations that are held at the end of each semester.

6.1.1 Continuous Assessment will account for 30% of the overall assessment.

6.1.2 Final examination accounts for 70% of the overall assessment.

6.1.3 Departments shall determine which items will be included in the continuous assessment and shall define the relevant weighting to each item.

6.2 To be admitted to the examinations, a candidate must;

- be a registered student of the University in accordance with the General Regulations.

- have satisfactorily attended and completed the approved modules of study. Satisfactory completion of modules shall require submission of all written assignments and tests that constitute the continuous assessment.

- have attended and participated in seminars, tutorials and practical classes, work related placement and other activities as stated in the Departmental Regulations.

7. FAILURE TO SATISFY THE EXAMINERS.

Refer to Section 9 of the General Regulations.

8. PROVISIONS FOR PROGRESSION

Refer to Section 8 of the General Academic Regulations

9. WORK RELATED LEARNING GENERAL GUIDELINES

9.1 Students proceed on supervised Work Related Learning in their Level 4 of study.

9.2 Once a student is on Work Related Learning with an organization approved by the Faculty, he/she is not allowed to change/move to another organization without the approval of the Faculty.

9.3 A student who moves from an organization that has been approved by the Faculty to another organization without the approval of the Faculty shall be penalized by having 25% deducted from the final Work Related Learning mark that he/she would have obtained.

10. GRADING AND DEGREE CLASSIFICATION

Refer to Section 5 of the General Regulations.

11. DEGREE WEIGHTING

All levels carry equal weighting of 20%

12. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

All modules are compulsory

Code	Description	Credits
Level 1 Semester 1
LB101	Introduction to Law	4
CS101	Basics of Communication Skills	2
HCS115	Introduction to Information Technology	2
LB108	Interpretation of Statutes	2
Level 1 Semester 2
LB105	Contract Law	4
LB106	Criminal Law	4
LB107	Constitutional Law	4
LB109	Law of Delict	4
Level 2 Semester 1
LB201	Criminal Procedure	4
LB202	Law of Evidence	4
LB203	Property Law	4
LB204	Commercial Law	4
Level 2 Semester 2
LB205	Civil Procedure	4
LB206	Family Law	4
LB207	Company Law	4
LB208	Public International Law	4
LB209	Gender and the Law	4
Level 3 Semester 1
7 Compulsory modules plus three electives
LB301	Law and Corporate Governance	4
LB302	Accounting for Legal Practitioners	4
LB303	Jurisprudence	4
Level 3 Semester 2 (2 Elective modules)
LB304	Conveyancing	4
LB306	Human Rights Law	4
LB309	Labour Law	4
LB504	Advanced Civil Procedure	4
Level 4 Semesters 1 and 2 (1 Elective module)
LB401	Work Related Learning Report	15
LB402	Academic Supervisor's Report	15
LB403	Employer's Assessment Report	10
Level 5 Semester 1(4 Compulsory modules plus four electives)
LB501	Dissertation	8
LB505	Clinical and Practical Skills Training	4
Level 5 Semester 2(2 Elective modules)
LB501	Dissertation	8
LB502	Notarial Practice	2
LB503	Legal Ethics	2
LB505	Clinical and Practical Skills Training	4
Elective Modules (Subject to Availability of Lecturers)
LB310	Intellectual Property	4
LB314	Law of Taxation	4
LB312	Banking Law	4
LB313	Law of Succession	4
LB311	Law of Insurance	4
LB315	Alternative Dispute Resolution	2
LB316	Administrative and Local Government Law	4
LB317	Law of Insolvency	2
LB318	International Humanitarian Law	2
LB319	International Business Transactions	4
LB 549	Law, Democracy & Good Governance	2
LB 551	Media Law	2
LB 552	Telecommunications Law	2
LB 553	International Economic and Law	4
LB520	Mining Law	2
LB521	Computer Law	2
LB523	Energy Law	2
LB524	E-Commerce	4
LB526	International Trade Law	4
LB527	International Investment Law	2
LB529	Advocacy	2
LB530	Mental Health Law	2
LB531	Medical Law	2
LB532	Professional Negligence Law	2
LB533	Social Security Law	4
LB534	Law and Development	4
LB536	Customary Law	2
LB537	Consumer Law	2
LB543	Criminology	2
LB544	Penelogy	2
LB546	Conflict of Laws	2
LB548	Environment Law	4
LB550	Biotechnology and Law	2

13. MODULE SYNOPSES

LB101 Introduction to Law

This module outlines the sources of law and explains in detail the Zimbabwean Legal System. It also teaches aspects of legal theory and the significance of Roman Dutch- Law in the Zimbabwean Legal System.

CS101 Basics of Communication Skills

Refer to the Department of Communication Skills

HCS115 Introduction to Information Technology

Refer to the Department of Computer Science

LB105 Contract

The student will be taught the nature and scope of the law of contract, the history and theory of contract. The module will cover the following topics; Formation, comprising what constitutes agreement, offer and acceptance, options, mistake and quasi-mutual assent, intention to create legally binding obligations, formalities, void and voidable contracts misrepresentation, dures, undue influence.

Review of the relational data models and introduction to distributed databases, DBMS architectures, data dependences, decomposition,

LB106 Criminal Law

The module will cover requirements for Criminal Liability, actus reus, mens rea, criminal capacity, General Defences, consent, necessity, compulsion, obedience to orders, private defences, impossibility, deminimus, mistake of fact, mistake of law, criminal capacity. Inchoate crimes incitement, conspiracy, attempt.

LB 107 Constitutional Law

The theory of constitutional law the Zimbabwe Constitution. The Creationof the Rhodesian State and how the Republic of Zimbabwe came to beincluding background, national institutions, regional institutions and localinstitutions.

The State and its subjects.

LB 108 Interpretation of Statutes

Introduction the intention of the legislature principles of interpretation including types and techniques of interpretation, rules of construction including primary, secondary and external aids, presumptions and the Interpretation Act.

LB 109 Law of Delict

The nature of delict and its place in the legal system of Zimbabwe. The relationship between delict and other branches of the law e.g. contract, criminal law, human rights law. Burden of Proof and prescription of delictual claims. The Actio Legis Aquiliae - the Aqilian and the Action injuriarum, definition and nature, purpose and function, conditions of liability, general defences, parties.

LB 201 Criminal Procedure

Courts and jurisdiction on public and private prosecutions, securing attendance of accused persons and witnesses, bail, arraignment and pleas, indictments and charges, trials review, appeals and punishments

LB 202 Law of Evidence

Introduction and sources, degree of proof, judicial notice, presumption, evidence of identity, admissibility and relevancy, documentary evidence, estoppel, competence, compellability and privilege, sufficiency of evidence corroboration

LB203 Property Law

Introduction and the classification of things real and personal rights, acquisition of ownership, the incidents and limitations of ownership, co-ownership, possession, servitudes, real security, sectional titles, share blocks and time sharing. The Land Acquisition Act and its legal effect on the law of property.

LB204 Commercial Law

The students will be taught the law of sale, the nature and definition, the definition of a thing, sold and price, ownership and risk, the seller's obligation and buyer's remedies, buyer's obligations and seller's remedies. The Law of Higher Purchase Agreements, the sale of land and credit agreements.

LB205 Civil Procedure

Studying the Magistrate Court Act and rules; trials; rescission and variation of judgments; appeals; enforcement of judgments, reviews and appeal procedure; studying the Primary Courts Act.

LB206 Family Law

History of the family; nature and definition of marriage; espousals and breach of promise; formation of marriage; consequence of marriage; annulment, termination of marriage; the law of parent and child; legal regulation of sex,; contraception, sterilisation, abortion, and protection of the foetus. Factors affecting status, adoption, legitimacy, artificial insemination, gender, domicile, custody and guardianship, parental power, duty of support (maintenance) child abuse, child protection, legal capacity of minors, proprietary rights of minors.

LB207 Company Law

This module will introduce students to important legal structures of business enterprises, law regulating the conduct of business; relationship between various players in business legal entities like Companies, Partnerships, Private Business Corporations, Parastatals and Co-operatives will be considered.

LB208 Public International Law

Introduction: acquisition of statehood, recognition of states and Governments, self determination, state sovereignty, domestic jurisdiction, aliens, extradition, immunities, treaties, crimes, enforcement of international law, international institutions, the United Nations and its agencies.

LB209 Gender and the Law

Constitutional rights, personal status in law with particular reference to women and dual system of law, reproductive rights, health care and welfare rights, women, work education, criminal law.

LB300 Law and Corporate Governance

The aim of the module is to provide students with an understanding of the legal framework governing a range of organisations, dealing with legal principles, their practical application and governance issues that may arise.

LB302 Accounting for Legal Practitioners

Students will be taught about the principle of Bookkeeping and the double entry system and the relationship between assets, capital and liabilities. Students will further be taught the difference between the Trust Account and the Business Account and the requirements of the Legal Practitioners Act and the by-laws made there under and the liability of the legal practitioners.

LB303 Jurisprudence

To introduce students to critical concepts about the nature and functioning of law. To teach students about law, justice and legitimacy, civil disobedience, the protection of human rights, the function of the legal practitioner, the role of courts, access to law, public interest law, alternative dispute settlement, public policy and changing legal principles. The module will also teach Legal Theory meaning of law, Law and morality, natural law and natural rights, the command theory of law, the pure theory of law, modern positivism, historical jurisprudence, sociological jurisprudence, legal realism, the rights theses, Marxist theories of law and state, sociology of law.

LB304 Conveyancing

Students will be taught about the Land Registration system in Zimbabwe, they will be taught how to draft Deeds of Transfer, Mortgage Bonds, Power of Attorney, Subdivisions and Consolidations.

LB306 Human Rights Law

Students will study Human Rights Law, with special emphasis on the Bill of Rights as enshrined in our constitution and will look at the International Human Rights Law and Conventions and how they affect Zimbabwe.

LB309 Labour law

Introduction and historical overview, the common law contract of employment, collective bargaining and the Labour Relations Act Chapter 28:01 as amended and the regulations. The National Social Security Act Workers Insurance and Workman's compensation. The Labour Court Jurisdiction and rules of procedure.

LB310 Intellectual Property

This module teaches students key aspects of intellectual property law: the law of copyright, which primarily protects creative and entrepreneurial subject matter such as books, art, music and films. It focuses on key issues such as the history of and justifications for copyright; copyright subject matter; requirements for subsistence; ownership and exploitation issues; infringement, defences and remedies; and moral rights.

LB314 Law of Taxation

The tax system in Zimbabwe; "Gross Income" and "Taxable Income". Exemption, deductions, rebates, computation of normal tax liability, the taxation of married women and minor children, special provisions relating to companies, donations tax, avoidance of tax, objections and appeals.

LB312 Banking Law

This module will focus primarily on the domestic law of banking. The module is designed to provide students with a solid grounding in banking law as well as an understanding of the broader social, economic and political issues underlying the rapid evolution that is presently taking place in the banking industry. In addition, the module aims to provide students with an understanding of the relationship between banking practice and law and the practical application of banking law.

LB313 Law of Succession

The module is an introduction, intestate succession, testate succession, administration of estates, History of the law of Succession in Zimbabwe; Customary Law perspective of succession law.

LB311 Insurance Law

Nature and formation of the contract, insurable interest, duty of good faith warranties, agency, subrogation, duration of the contract, life and third party insurance.

LB315 Alternative Dispute Resolution

The module is designed to introduce students to the various approaches to dispute resolution, including negotiations, mediations, arbitration, mini-trials, and summary jury trials.

LB316 Administrative and Local Government Law

Introduction: the nature, history, control and classification of Administrative powers, judicial control of administrative powers, including the review power, locus standi remedies and the exclusion of the power of review, state liability, state privilege. The role of local government, local government acts, rules and regulations and rules of natural justice.

LB317 Law of Insolvency

History of the law of insolvency; The insolvency Act of Zimbabwe; The practical ways of declaring a person insolvent; Companies and individuals.

LB318 International Humanitarian Law

Definition, history and theory; contemporary relevance, sources, applicability of International Humanitarian Law, protected persons, methods and means of warfare, Implementation and Enforcement of International Humanitarian Law.

LB319 International Business Transactions

The module teaches students the law relating to certain major aspects of international business such as export sales/international sale of goods, their transportation and finance implications, marketing operations abroad, mergers and acquisitions and dispute settlement matters and mechanisms.

LB501 Dissertation

A students will be required to choose a topic approved by a supervisor appointed by the Faculty Board and to write a dissertation thereon in English not exceeding 10 000 words, the dissertation should be a substantially researched chosen topic which makes and defends given propositions.

LB502 Notarial Practice

Students will be trained in the drafting of notarial documents, Deeds for Change of Name, Deed of Trusts, Notarial Covering Bonds and how to lodge the same with the Deeds Registry.

LB503 Legal Ethics

Students will be taught ethics and a legal practitioner's duty to his client, colleagues, the courts and the public. Drafting documents, the brief, interviewing, pro-deo defences, unopposed actions, preparation and argument of appeals, opinions, advice on evidence, setting up a legal practice, examination and cross-examination of witnesses.

LB504 Advanced Civil Procedure

Jurisdiction of the High Court and the Supreme Court and the Rules of the High Court and Supreme Court.

LB505 Clinical and Practical Skills Training

This module will introduce students to basic professional skills, negotiating, legal drafting, advocacy and office management and practice skills

LB520 Mining Law

Explores all aspects of modern mining legislation and its impacts on the mining industry and its stakeholders. The module focuses on broad terms mine health and safety, mining and the environment, exploration and mining, and miscellaneous issues. Concepts to be covered include duty of care, enabling legislation, safety management systems, the role of risk management, the role of the regulator, mining laws in developing countries, industrial law and other issues.

LB522 Computer Law

Teaches students how to investigate incidents while minimizing the risk for legal trouble.

LB524 E-Commerce

Provides students with an intensive survey of technologies used to support all aspects of electronic business and how these technologies interact.

LB526 International Trade Law

This module deals with the rules of international trade governing the Word Trade Organisation (WTO) and Regional Trade Law. It taught from developing countries perspective.

LB527 International Investment Law

Introduction and history of international investment law, sources of international investment law, bilateral investment treaties, duties and rights of host state and investor, multilateral agreement on investment and dispute settlement.

LB529 Advocacy

This module is meant to teach and train students in procedural law and practice, practical evidence, and certain areas of substantive law relevant to practice in Zimbabwe.

LB530 Mental Health Law

Enables students to identify and analyse legal issues encountered by people with mental health challenges and to evaluate critically aspects of the operation of mental health law in its historical, socio-economic and political contexts, including the legal (rights based) and medical approaches.

LB 531 Medical Law

This module aims to investigate a range of areas of law which are of topical interest but which are not otherwise specifically addressed in the Medical Law.

LB 532 Professional Negligence Law

This module examines the fast-growing specialist area of law, looking at the nature and definition of professions, the general legal and regulatory principles, and their application to selected professions.

LB 533 Social Security Law

The module teaches students how social security legislation is structured and use case law to interpret the law.

LB 534 Law and Development

The focus of the module will be not only on law as written rules but also on customary law, norms, practices and issues of enforcement in relation to development.

LB 536 Customary Law

Colonial laws and indigenous legal systems including codification and creation of courts, principles of African customary law including family law marriage, property, succession, delict, contract; comparative analysis of post-colonial societies in Southern Africa, comparison between customary law and Roman Private Law.

LB 537 Consumer Law

Discusses the rationale for consumer law and the different forms of regulating consumer markets.

LB 543 Criminology

Classical theories, positivism and modern biological theories, crime and the environment, atomic theory, subcultures and gangs, conflict and critical criminology.

LB 544 Penology

General theories regarding crime control, the functions of the Zimbabwe Prison System. Criminal statistics and public participation in the criminal justice process. Alternative punishment systems.

LB 546 Conflict of Laws

Nature and scope of the law. Historical development, jurisdiction, the choice of law in selected topics including delict, contract, actions involving judgments sounding in money, immovable property incorporeals and matrimonial matters.

LB 548 Environmental Law

Module emphasizes on the right to a clean environment as a third generation right. Will analyze the Environmental Management Act where Zimbabwe is seeking to domesticate the International Environmental Instruments. The module highlights major themes and principles and provides practical examples of the Law in operation.

LB 549 Law, Democracy and Good Governance

Module is meant for those with an interest in the deeper understanding of constitutional issues. It will focus on Democracy and Good Governance.

LB 550 Biotechnology and Law

This module introduces students to how the law tries to regulate sciences especially biotechnology. It begins with theories of regulation and goes on to consider the ethical and safety consideration on the use of biotechnology. It also considers the issue of patenting of biotechnological inventions, including University patents.

LB551 Media Law

The module provides a succinct and lucid introduction of all areas of the law relating to print, broadcast and electronic media. It offers practical and well-referenced insight into key media issues.

LB552 Telecommunications Law

Module focuses on the study of the legal implication surrounding Information Technology and Telecommunications. It covers the legal aspects of Information security, liability, intellectual property, e-commerce, telecommunications and access to public information.

LB553 International Economic Law

This module deals with international economic governance. It begins with a brief introduction to economics and then deals in depth with law governing the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Trade Organisation. It also deals with International Investment Law.