Overview
REGULATIONS FOR THE DIPLOMA IN PARALEGAL STUDIES (DPLS)
Duration : 18 months
Credit Load : 340
Minimum Credit Load : 270
Maximum Credit Load : 340
ZNQF Level : 9
INTRODUCTION
1.1 These Regulations shall be read together with the General Academic Regulations for the Undergraduate Degree Programmes, herein referred to as the General Regulations.
1.2 These regulations are in respect of the Diploma in Paralegal Studies offered by the Faculty of Law.
1.3 The Diploma in Paralegal Studies shall be awarded to candidates who have successfully completed the Programme and passed examination in accordance with the General Regulations.
OBJECTIVES
The programme aims to:
2.1 Improve access to justice by training a pool of paralegals with requisite skills and knowledge in paralegal work.
2.2 Enhance efficiency in the justice delivery system through specialised training for courts Help-Desk personnel, Government departments and civil society practitioners.
2.3 Provide basic legal knowledge to other professionals who have an interest in the law.
2.4 Identify contemporary issues and apply research skills to solve problems in their specialized fields.
2.5 Consolidate and formalize paralegal education training in Zimbabwe as a basis for further legal education.
CAREER PROSPECTS
The Diploma in Paralegal Studies offers employment opportunities for paralegals in Civil Society Organizations offering legal aid law firms Court Help-Desks and other Government departments.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for admission, applicants must have passed at least five “O” level subjects including English Language and Mathematics OR holds a qualification accepted by the University as equivalent to the foregoing. Relevant professional qualification(s) and/or experience will also be considered.
DURATION
The duration of the Diploma in Paralegal Studies is eighteen (18) months offered on a block release basis.
General Provisions
GENERAL PROVISIONS
6.1 All modules in the Diploma in Paralegal Studies are compulsory.
6.2 All modules carry the same credits with the exception of the research project.
ASSESSMENT
7.1 Final assessment shall consist of continuous assessment and written examinations.
7.2 Continuous assessment shall constitute 40% of the final assessment.
7.3 Written examination shall constitute 60% of the final assessment.
7.4 In order to pass a module, a student should obtain at least 50% of continuous
assessment and written examinations combined.
Programme Structure
Level 1 Semester 1
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DPLS 101 | Introduction to Paralegal Studies | 12 |
| DPLS 102 | Information Technology and Communication Skills | 12 |
| DPLS 103 | Introduction to the Zimbabwean Legal System | 12 |
| DPLS 104 | Constitutional Foundations | 12 |
| DPLS 105 | Legal Research and Writing | 12 |
Level 1 Semester 2
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DPLS 106 | Civil and Criminal Law Procedures | 12 |
| DPLS 107 | Child Rights | 12 |
| DPLS 108 | Family Law, Wills, and Domestic Violence | 12 |
| DPLS 109 | Counselling Practice | 12 |
| DPLS 110 | Disability Rights | 12 |
Level 2 Semester 1
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DPLS 201 | Paralegal Clinical and Practical Skills | 12 |
| DPLS 202 | Office Management and Accounting Practice | 12 |
| DPLS 203 | Paralegal Ethics | 12 |
| DPLS 204 | Research Project | 24 |
Total Credits
| Total Credits | 240 |
Synopses
MODULE SYNOPSES
DPLS 101: Introduction to Paralegal Studies
The module introduces students to paralegal studies. It covers the definition of a paralegal and the nature of paralegal work. In doing so, the difference between paralegal work and that of legal practitioners is identified. The module also covers a general overview of the background and justification of paralegal work. The module includes a historical trajectory of the development of paralegal work in Zimbabwe, including an overview of the regulatory framework.
DPLS 102: Information Technology and Communication Skills
The module equips paralegals with baseline information technology skills. This includes problem solving, troubleshooting, planning, data capturing and Microsoft Windows. The communication skills part equips paralegals with good listening and communication skills. This includes skills in clarity and concision, friendliness, confidence, empathy, open-mindedness and respect.
DPLS 103: Introduction to the Zimbabwean Legal System
The module introduces the students to the discipline of law. It is the foundation on which the other modules are built. It explores the concept of law, its theoretical underpinnings and the historical development of the Zimbabwean Legal System. It further focuses on aspects such as divisions of the law, court structures, law-making process, legal aid and the place of customary law in the Zimbabwean Legal System.
DPLS 104: Constitutional Foundations
The module equips students with the general knowledge and understanding of constitutional law and its aspects. Students are introduced to the Zimbabwean Constitution and fundamental legal rights. It also focuses on constitutional law aspects such as the constitutional history of Zimbabwe, separation of powers, rule of law, democratic theory, judicial independence, fundamental human rights and rights of minorities and vulnerable groups such as women.
DPLS 105: Legal Research and Writing
The module covers legal research and writing. It covers basic methods of legal analysis, effective writing, and essential legal research tools and methodologies. This module introduces students to the fundamentals of good writing. Students are assisted in developing the ability to read and comprehend legal materials. The module further explores the process of legal research with the aim of developing a basic understanding of primary and secondary legal sources. On completion of the module, students should be able to use legal authorities in carrying out research.
DPLS 106: Civil and Criminal Law Procedures
The module is divided into two main sections. The first section focuses on civil law and procedure. The definition of civil law and its distinction with criminal law is addressed. In addition, the institution of civil claims, pursuance of civil claims and remedies in civil claims form the basis of this section. The second part is on criminal law and procedure. The section explains principles of criminal law, standards of proof, and processes and procedures as applied in the lower courts, including criminal law enforcement mechanisms.
DPLS 107: Child Rights
The module introduces participants to the basic aspects of the international and regional legal frameworks as well as the institutional mechanisms for protecting children’s rights. It acquaints participants with the domestic legal and policy framework and the notion of ‘universality of children’s rights’, creating awareness of the emerging child rights jurisprudence. It also enables participants to appreciate the content, scope, extent and application of children’s rights in light of the social, economic, cultural and political realities of African societies. It therefore seeks to empower them with the ability to inform legislative and policy reform in order to realise children’s rights in Zimbabwe.
DPLS 108: Family Law, Wills and Domestic Violence
The module broadly covers three aspects which are family law and the property legal regime, Wills and Domestic Violence. The family law section addresses marriage law and regimes in Zimbabwe, custody, access and guardianship of minors, birth registrations and maintenance. Gender and matrimonial property rights are also covered. The section on Wills addresses the legal regime relating to Will-making and inheritance through Wills. Thus intestate and testate succession is discussed. Finally, the section on domestic violence covers domestic violence law and its relation to peace and protection orders; and criminal sanctions.
DPLS109: Counselling Practice
The module equips students with counselling skills. The importance of counselling in the paralegal discourse and counselling methodologies are addressed. Thus the module gives students the art of responsive service to identified problems. The module canvasses the following aspects: guidance and counselling, responsive service mechanisms, swift service mechanisms, polite service mechanisms, fair service mechanisms and referral mechanisms.
DPLS 110: Disability Rights
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are a historically disadvantaged group. Prejudice, exclusion and discrimination remain common experiences for PWDs. In Zimbabwe, the link between disability and exclusion is well established. In the end, PWDs continue to be side-lined in community life. The module examines disability as a legal category with implications for the rights of PWDs. This module defines PWDs, the concept of disability and the legal entitlements of PWDs. Causes of impairments, barriers faced by PWDs and remedies available in cases of violations of the legal entitlements for PWDs are discussed. Furthermore, the module examines the legal sources of disability rights in Zimbabwe and a historical trajectory of the protection of disability rights. Given the position that women and children are vulnerable groups, the module further examines challenges faced by women and children with disabilities and interventions that can be put in place to address such challenges. Finally, contemporary arguments pertaining to the protection, promotion and enforcement of disability rights are examined; especially the national laws and polices directly and indirectly addressing disability in Zimbabwe.
DPLS 201: Paralegal Clinical and Practical Skills
The module equips students with practical skills in paralegal work. The module covers the following aspects; advocacy skills, negotiation and mediation, practical exercises and role plays, identification and case referrals, facts gathering and client interviewing techniques, investigation skills, information gathering and evidence recording.
DPLS 202: Office Management and Accounting Practice
The module equips students with office management and organisational skills in administering paralegal work. The module includes the following aspects; Bookkeeping, Petty Cash, Office Procedure and general accounting principles and procedures. It further addresses office design and management. In addition, implementation, evaluation and maintenance of the process of work within an organization or office for the maintenance and improvement of efficiency and productivity are also addressed.
DPLS 203: Paralegal Ethics
The module covers rules of professional conduct for paralegals. It explores paralegal ethics, obligations and ethical dilemmas common in paralegal work. Students are equipped with the ability to determine whether an action may be an ethical violation or not. It also covers holding out issues, permitted activities, prohibited activities and possible sanctions. This module emphasises the fact that paralegals are not legal practitioners and should not do the work of legal practitioners. Their roles are confined to referrals to legal practitioners.
DPLS 204: Research Project
The module equips students with the development of critical analysis and research techniques. It refines the student’s analytical skills to practical situations. The student is required to choose and defend a topic validating a gap in the field of paralegal work. The project shall be a legal writing of between 4 000 to 5 000 words.