LLB Regulations :
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 | Relevant | Desirable |
| 3points | 2points | 1point |
| English Literature | Other Humanities | Science Related subjects |
| History | Commercials | |
| Social Sciences |
3.2 Special Entry
3.2.1 Refer to section 3.2 of the General Academic Regulations.
3.3 Mature Entry
3.3.1 Refer to Section 3.3 of the General Regulations.
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.
5.4 No candidate may complete the degree in less than three academic levels.
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
8.1. A maximum score of 50% will be awarded to a student who
fails a module and is allowed to retake/repeat.
8.2 For more 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.
9.5 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.
9.6 Work Related Learning comprises two components, placement at
Magistrates’ Courts for six (6) months and law firms or private sector
for four (4) months.
9.7 Successful completion of Work Related Learning component at level
IV is compulsory for all candidates.
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 |
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.
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.
LB107 – Constitutional Law
The theory of constitutional law – the Zimbabwe Constitution. The Creation of the Rhodesian State and how the Republic of Zimbabwe came to be including
background, national institutions, regional institutions and local institutions.The State and its subjects.
LB108 – 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.
LB109 – 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.
LB201 – 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
LB202 – 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.
LLB310 – 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.
LB311 – 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.
LB314 – 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.
LB 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.
LLB526 – 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.
LB531 -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.
LB532 – 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.
LB533 – Social Security Law
The module teaches students how social security legislation is structured
and use case law to interpret the law.
LB534 -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.
LLB536 – 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.
LB537 – Consumer Law
Discusses the rationale for consumer law and the different forms of regulating consumer markets.
LB543 – Criminology
Classical theories, positivism and modern biological theories, crime and the environment, atomic theory, subcultures and gangs, conflict and critical criminology.
LB544 – 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.
LB546 – 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.
LB548 – 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.
LB549 – 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.
LB550 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.
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.
LB532 -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.
LB533 -Social Security Law
The module teaches students how social security legislation is structured
and use case law to interpret the law.
LB534 -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.
LLB536 – 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.
LB537 -Consumer Law
Discusses the rationale for consumer law and the different forms of regulating consumer markets.
LB543 – Criminology
Classical theories, positivism and modern biological theories, crime and the environment, atomic theory, subcultures and gangs, conflict and critical criminology.
LB544 – 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.
LB546 – 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.
LB548 – 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.
LB549 – 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.
LB550 – 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.
.