To equip the trainee with knowledge, skills and appropriate attitudes to effectively and efficiently apply basic knowledge on the law in the provision of legal aid services.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Describe the law and the court system in Zambia
Explain doctrine of separation of powers and human rights
Apply customary law and family law on marriage
Discuss divorce and succession law
Apply land law and housing
Apply law of contract and employment contract
Apply criminal law and procedure
COURSE MODULES
Define concept of law
? Distinguish between law and morality
? Differentiate types and classification of laws in Zambia
o Customary and statutory law
o Common law
o Civil and criminal law
Explain doctrine of separation of powers
o The Executive
o The Legislature
o The Judiciary
Explain which law to apply when a customary law
conflicts with a written law
? Explain which customary law to apply when there is a
conflict between two different customary laws
? Discuss the way customary law can be applied to be
compliant with the Bill of Rights and other human rights
standards:
o The use of the ‘repugnancy clause’
o Principles of natural justice and morality, and
written law
? Explain offences arising from the Witchcraft Act
o Purpose of the Witchcraft Act
o Definition of witchcraft
o Offences under the Act
Define divorce
? Explain laws applicable and competent courts when
dealing with divorce under:
o Customary marriages
o Civil marriages
? Explain grounds for divorce under:
o Customary marriages
o Civil marriages
? Distinguish between divorce and reconciliation
Define land law and its purpose
? Explain the two categories of land in Zambia
o Customary land
o Statutory land
? Explain process of land acquisition:
o Customary land
? Procedure for acquiring customary land
? Conversion of land from customary to
statutory land
o Statutory land
o Role of chiefs and other traditional leaders in
land acquisition and administration under
customary land
o The use of Traditional Land Holding
Certificates: objectives of such certificates,
ways certificates are issued, roles of chiefs
and other traditional leaders and stakeholders
? Discuss role and limits of paralegals level 3 in
relation to land acquisition:
o Conducting awareness raising
o Providing legal information, orientation and
referrals
o Seeking support from supervising officer
when unsure about the law or when
confronted with a difficult or complex question
or situation
Define contract
? Explain elements required to form a valid contract:
o Offer
o Acceptance
o Enforceability
Define criminal law and its purpose
? Define crime and distinguish between crime and a moral
wrong
? Differentiate between retributive and restorative justice
and their application
? Identify sources of criminal law
o The Constitution of Zambia
o Statutory law
o Judicial precedents
? Explain concept of double jeopardy
? Explain common offences:
o Sexual offences
o Assault
o Theft
o Other common offences occurring at community level
Course Duration: 70 hours.