Introduction to Law
The Palace of Law
Six themes — from what law is and where it came from, through its sources, divisions and courts, to the legal skills you build on top. The mental framework every Law student needs.
Theme 1
The Nature, Concept & Functions of Law
What law is, law versus morality, religion and custom, justice, and the rule of law.
Theme 2
The History & Development of South African Law
Roman, Roman-Dutch and English influences, customary law, and SA as a mixed/hybrid legal system.
Theme 3
The Sources of South African Law
The Constitution as supreme law, legislation, case law and precedent, common law, custom, old authorities and international law.
Theme 4
The Divisions of Law & Constitutional Supremacy
Public/private, substantive/procedural, criminal/civil and national/international — plus constitutionalism, separation of powers and the Bill of Rights.
Theme 5
The Courts, Judiciary & Legal Profession
The court structure (Constitutional Court → SCA → High Court → Magistrates' Courts), jurisdiction, the judiciary, procedure and the legal profession.
Theme 6
Legal Skills
Finding the law, reading and analysing cases, the basics of statutory interpretation, legal reasoning, and legal writing & referencing.
Each theme covers a core question, its key sections, cases, and flashcards. Open a theme to read it top to bottom.