LLB Law At KNUST
COURSE DESCRIPTION OF LLB Law At KNUST
‘Core’ and Compulsory Law Courses
LAW183: Ghana Legal System & Method 1- Sources of Ghanaian law; the administration of justice; the legal process. The courts, the legal profession, legislation, judicial precedent/case law; introduction to criminal law and civil process.
LAW184: Ghana Legal System & Method 2-Provides students with knowledge and skills in researching legal materials and undertaking legal writing on the basis of such materials. In particular, students will undertake practical exercises, be shown methods of citation and manual search and electronic retrieval methods for collections of written laws and reports, and law textbooks, journals and encyclopaedias. Students will receive instruction and practical experience in reading judicial decisions, both reported and unreported, on written constitutions, legislation and subsidiary legislation, and in finding and presenting sources of customary law. The emphasis in this course is very much on the active participation of the student.
LAW185: Constitutional Law 1-Definition, history and sources and classification of constitutions; concepts of separation of powers, rule of law, supremacy of parliament etc.
LAW186: Constitutional Law 2- The military and constitutionalism in Ghana; detailed study of the 1992 Ghana Constitution; Supremacy of the constitution; Legislative, judicial and executive powers.
LAW251: Law of Contract 1- Involves a discussion of the development of the law of contract, and then an in-depth examination of the way in which a contract is formed, including offer, acceptance and consideration, the terms of a contract, and the persons bound by a contract.
LAW252: Law of Contract 2 – Examines in detail the circumstances in which a contract in unenforceable, or is rendered void, or may be set aside by the courts. This course also considers the way in which a contract may be discharged, remedies for breach of contract and concludes with a consideration of quasi-contract, and contract in custom.
LAW263: Law of Torts 1 –Examines in detail the torts of strict liability under the common law, e.g. trespass, fire, animals, dangerous things that escape from land, nuisance, conversion of goods, defamation.
LAW264: Law of Torts 2-Deals with torts based upon intentional, reckless or negligent conduct which causes damage, such as intentional interference with contract or trade, fraudulent statements, negligent acts or omissions generally, and in relation to conduct, property, employment, products and statements. The course also considers who may be parties to proceedings for torts, and what remedies may be granted by the courts.
LAW287: Criminal Law 1- Discusses the general principles of criminal responsibility, effecting criminal liability, and examines the specific criminal offences relating to homicide and assault. The course also deals with basic criminal procedure.
LAW288: Criminal Law 2- Examines specific offences relating to sexual relations, property and public and inchoate offences. This course also investigates more detailed aspects of criminal procedure.
LAW365: Land Law 1- Provides understanding of the law relating to real property or land in Ghana. In particular, this course examines rights and interests in land and water, common law and equity and custom. This course also considers the manner in which rights and interests in land may be registered and the effect of registration and non- registration.
LAW366: Land Law 2 – Provides an understanding of the law relating to personal property or moveable property in Ghana. It examines the rights and interests in personal property that are recognised under legislation, common law and equity and custom. This course also considers the manner in which rights and interest in personal property may be registered and the effect of legislation and non-legislation.
LAW371: Equity & Trusts 1-Discusses the principles of equity, particularly with regard to trusts, in relation to Ghana .The course examines how express trusts are formed, and may be varied and terminated, and will also consider implied and resulting trusts. In addition fiduciary duties and other principles of equity will be considered.
LAW372: Equity & Trusts 2- Provides an understanding of the law relating testate and intestate succession in Ghana. This course will examine the way in which testamentary instruments may be made and revoked, and the rights arising therefrom, under legislation, common law and equity and customary law. It also examines the principles of intestate succession under legislation, common law and equity and customary law.
LAW273: Administrative Law 1 -Nature, scope and sources of administrative agencies and procedure, relationship between administrative law, the rule of law, separation of powers and delegated legislation – its nature, forms, making and control thereof.
LAW274: Administrative Law 2 -Judicial control of administrative and judicial powers of administration: (a) grounds of judicial review e.g. ultra vires, natural justice and error of law.(b) remedies e.g. certiorari, mandamus, prohibition, declaration, injunction, habeas corpus, damages, and appeal, ombudsman.(c) appeal by and against state corporations , including local government councils.
LAW343: Introduction to Trial Advocacy 1 -Provides an understanding of the law regulating civil procedure. This course traces the procedural steps that must be followed in the conduct of civil proceedings in the courts of Ghana, from steps that must be taken before the commencement of proceedings to the enforcement of judgments.
LAW344: Introduction to Trial Advocacy 2: Deals with alternative methods for the resolution of disputes, such as arbitration, mediation, negotiation and customary processes
LAW493/ 494: Conflict of Laws 1 & 2- Examines the principles of law for resolving conflict of laws adopted by Ghanaian courts. The course first considers some general principles relating to conflict of laws and then considers the principles of conflict of laws developed in relation to specific topics such as marriage, matrimonial causes, legitimacy, contracts, succession, torts and recognition of foreign judgments
LAW353: Commercial Law 1 – Examines the law relating to Commercial transactions in Ghana, and in particular the law relating to Negotiable Instruments and the Sale of Goods.
LAW354: Commercial Law 2 – This component examines the law relating to Hire Purchase transactions.
LAW391/392: Public International Law 1 & 2 – Provides an understanding of the law relating to international and regional relations between states, as well as to international institutions. The course examines the sources of Public International Law, and the rights, powers and duties of states, regional and international institutions and representatives.
LAW491: Jurisprudence 1 – Examines fundamental questions about the nature of law and the relationship of law, morality, politics, culture, tradition and custom. Analysis of law and legal systems is provided around questions such as what makes law a law. Are laws rules? What is a legal right or legal obligation? The institutional concept of law and the judicial and legislative process and the law are also critically analyzed.
LAW492: Jurisprudence 2 – This course will examine reasoning in the law with special reference to statutory interpretation, judicial determination on the reception and recognition of customary law.
LAW145: Legal English & Study Skills 1- This compulsory course, which is about legal communication, will be taught in the Faculty of Law .The first component of the course is divided into three parts: (i) Introduction: deals with the development of Legal English; British and American English Differences and Usage.(ii) Writing Legal English: Grammar & Punctuation for Legal Writing; Legal Writing Style; Standards in Legal Writing Considerations; What to avoid in Legal Writing; Creating Legal Documents; Writing Legal Letters and Emails; Internal Communications; Applying for Legal Jobs.
LAW146: Legal English & Study Skills 2 – This second component of the course will also be taught in the Faculty of Law. It deals with (i) Speaking Legal English: Aspects of Spoken English; Interviewing and Advising; Negotiation; Chairing a Formal Meeting; Making a Presentation; Telephoning. (ii) Contractual Legal English: Basic Concepts of Anglo-American Contract Law; Contractual Language; Structure of a Contract; Content of a Contract; Specimen Contract and Analysis.
LAW461/462: Legal Drafting I and 2 – This course is an elective and must be taken by final year students who would not be selected to write a research project. The course provides knowledge of, and skills in, the drafting of legal documents. This course will offer training in the drafting of legislation and subsidiary legislation, commercial documents, wills, court pleadings and legal correspondence and communications.
LAW 497: Analytical and Research Skills –This course is an elective. It must be taken by students in the final year that would be selected to write a research project.
LAW498: Research Project – Selected students in the final year will undertake a research project on a topic agreed with their tutor.
LAW341/342: Law Clinic, ‘Moot’/ ‘Mock’ Trials 1& 2 – This is a live-client. Students will work on real cases, with actual clients, but under the supervision of professionally qualified members of staff.
LAW361: Environmental Law 1-Discusses the principles of law that are designed to protect and conserve the environment in Ghana. The laws regulating land use, water use, air and marine pollution are focus for study. The course also considers the role and effect of environmental impact reports and of environmental litigation.
LAW362: Environmental Law 2- Examines the domestic laws regulating land use, water use, biodiversity, national and cultural heritage, protected areas, air and marine pollution .The course also considers the role and effect of environmental impact reports and environmental litigation.
ELECTIVES
LAW 357: Intellectual Property Law 1
LAW 358: Intellectual Property Law 2
LAW 359: Labour law 1
LAW360: Labour Law 2
LAW365: Law of Evidence I
LAW366: Law of Evidence 2
LAW377: Revenue and Law of Taxation 1
LAW378: Revenue and Law of Taxation 2
LAW393: International Human Rights Law 1
LAW394: International Human Rights law 2
LAW495: International Trade and Investment Law1
LAW496: International Trade and Investment Law 2
LAW311: Medical Law & Ethics 1
LAW312: Medical Law & Ethics 2
LAW421: Petroleum & Natural Resources Law 1- elective only for category 1 entrants otherwise compulsory
LAW422: Petroleum & Natural Resources Law 2 –elective only for category 1 entrants otherwise compulsory
LAW483: Criminology 1
LAW484: Criminology 2
LAW331: Family Law 1
LAW332: Family Law 2
LAW345: Sports Law 1
LAW346: Sports Law 2
LAW351: Computers and the Law 1
LAW352: Computers and the Law 2
LAW423: Gender and the Law 1
LAW424:-Gender and the Law 2
LAW341: Law Clinic and ‘Moots’/’ Mock Trials’ 1
LAW342: Law Clinic and ‘Moots’/’Mock Trials’ 2
LAW461: Legal Drafting 1
LAW 462 Legal Drafting 2
LAW497: Analytical and Research Skills
LAW498: Research Project
Students intending to enter the legal profession may also develop their debating and negotiating skills during the third year (category 1), the second year (category 2) and the third year (category 3) through ‘Law Clinic’, ‘Moots’/ ‘Mock Trials’ and Client Interview sessions.
‘Core’ and Compulsory Law Courses
LAW183: Ghana Legal System & Method 1- Sources of Ghanaian law; the administration of justice; the legal process. The courts, the legal profession, legislation, judicial precedent/case law; introduction to criminal law and civil process.
LAW184: Ghana Legal System & Method 2-Provides students with knowledge and skills in researching legal materials and undertaking legal writing on the basis of such materials. In particular, students will undertake practical exercises, be shown methods of citation and manual search and electronic retrieval methods for collections of written laws and reports, and law textbooks, journals and encyclopaedias. Students will receive instruction and practical experience in reading judicial decisions, both reported and unreported, on written constitutions, legislation and subsidiary legislation, and in finding and presenting sources of customary law. The emphasis in this course is very much on the active participation of the student.
LAW185: Constitutional Law 1-Definition, history and sources and classification of constitutions; concepts of separation of powers, rule of law, supremacy of parliament etc.
LAW186: Constitutional Law 2- The military and constitutionalism in Ghana; detailed study of the 1992 Ghana Constitution; Supremacy of the constitution; Legislative, judicial and executive powers.
LAW251: Law of Contract 1- Involves a discussion of the development of the law of contract, and then an in-depth examination of the way in which a contract is formed, including offer, acceptance and consideration, the terms of a contract, and the persons bound by a contract.
LAW252: Law of Contract 2 – Examines in detail the circumstances in which a contract in unenforceable, or is rendered void, or may be set aside by the courts. This course also considers the way in which a contract may be discharged, remedies for breach of contract and concludes with a consideration of quasi-contract, and contract in custom.
LAW263: Law of Torts 1 –Examines in detail the torts of strict liability under the common law, e.g. trespass, fire, animals, dangerous things that escape from land, nuisance, conversion of goods, defamation.
LAW264: Law of Torts 2-Deals with torts based upon intentional, reckless or negligent conduct which causes damage, such as intentional interference with contract or trade, fraudulent statements, negligent acts or omissions generally, and in relation to conduct, property, employment, products and statements. The course also considers who may be parties to proceedings for torts, and what remedies may be granted by the courts.
LAW287: Criminal Law 1- Discusses the general principles of criminal responsibility, effecting criminal liability, and examines the specific criminal offences relating to homicide and assault. The course also deals with basic criminal procedure.
LAW288: Criminal Law 2- Examines specific offences relating to sexual relations, property and public and inchoate offences. This course also investigates more detailed aspects of criminal procedure.
LAW365: Land Law 1- Provides understanding of the law relating to real property or land in Ghana. In particular, this course examines rights and interests in land and water, common law and equity and custom. This course also considers the manner in which rights and interests in land may be registered and the effect of registration and non- registration.
LAW366: Land Law 2 – Provides an understanding of the law relating to personal property or moveable property in Ghana. It examines the rights and interests in personal property that are recognised under legislation, common law and equity and custom. This course also considers the manner in which rights and interest in personal property may be registered and the effect of legislation and non-legislation.
LAW371: Equity & Trusts 1-Discusses the principles of equity, particularly with regard to trusts, in relation to Ghana .The course examines how express trusts are formed, and may be varied and terminated, and will also consider implied and resulting trusts. In addition fiduciary duties and other principles of equity will be considered.
LAW372: Equity & Trusts 2- Provides an understanding of the law relating testate and intestate succession in Ghana. This course will examine the way in which testamentary instruments may be made and revoked, and the rights arising therefrom, under legislation, common law and equity and customary law. It also examines the principles of intestate succession under legislation, common law and equity and customary law.
LAW273: Administrative Law 1 -Nature, scope and sources of administrative agencies and procedure, relationship between administrative law, the rule of law, separation of powers and delegated legislation – its nature, forms, making and control thereof.
LAW274: Administrative Law 2 -Judicial control of administrative and judicial powers of administration: (a) grounds of judicial review e.g. ultra vires, natural justice and error of law.(b) remedies e.g. certiorari, mandamus, prohibition, declaration, injunction, habeas corpus, damages, and appeal, ombudsman.(c) appeal by and against state corporations , including local government councils.
LAW343: Introduction to Trial Advocacy 1 -Provides an understanding of the law regulating civil procedure. This course traces the procedural steps that must be followed in the conduct of civil proceedings in the courts of Ghana, from steps that must be taken before the commencement of proceedings to the enforcement of judgments.
LAW344: Introduction to Trial Advocacy 2: Deals with alternative methods for the resolution of disputes, such as arbitration, mediation, negotiation and customary processes
LAW493/ 494: Conflict of Laws 1 & 2- Examines the principles of law for resolving conflict of laws adopted by Ghanaian courts. The course first considers some general principles relating to conflict of laws and then considers the principles of conflict of laws developed in relation to specific topics such as marriage, matrimonial causes, legitimacy, contracts, succession, torts and recognition of foreign judgments
LAW353: Commercial Law 1 – Examines the law relating to Commercial transactions in Ghana, and in particular the law relating to Negotiable Instruments and the Sale of Goods.
LAW354: Commercial Law 2 – This component examines the law relating to Hire Purchase transactions.
LAW391/392: Public International Law 1 & 2 – Provides an understanding of the law relating to international and regional relations between states, as well as to international institutions. The course examines the sources of Public International Law, and the rights, powers and duties of states, regional and international institutions and representatives.
LAW491: Jurisprudence 1 – Examines fundamental questions about the nature of law and the relationship of law, morality, politics, culture, tradition and custom. Analysis of law and legal systems is provided around questions such as what makes law a law. Are laws rules? What is a legal right or legal obligation? The institutional concept of law and the judicial and legislative process and the law are also critically analyzed.
LAW492: Jurisprudence 2 – This course will examine reasoning in the law with special reference to statutory interpretation, judicial determination on the reception and recognition of customary law.
LAW145: Legal English & Study Skills 1- This compulsory course, which is about legal communication, will be taught in the Faculty of Law .The first component of the course is divided into three parts: (i) Introduction: deals with the development of Legal English; British and American English Differences and Usage.(ii) Writing Legal English: Grammar & Punctuation for Legal Writing; Legal Writing Style; Standards in Legal Writing Considerations; What to avoid in Legal Writing; Creating Legal Documents; Writing Legal Letters and Emails; Internal Communications; Applying for Legal Jobs.
LAW146: Legal English & Study Skills 2 – This second component of the course will also be taught in the Faculty of Law. It deals with (i) Speaking Legal English: Aspects of Spoken English; Interviewing and Advising; Negotiation; Chairing a Formal Meeting; Making a Presentation; Telephoning. (ii) Contractual Legal English: Basic Concepts of Anglo-American Contract Law; Contractual Language; Structure of a Contract; Content of a Contract; Specimen Contract and Analysis.
LAW461/462: Legal Drafting I and 2 – This course is an elective and must be taken by final year students who would not be selected to write a research project. The course provides knowledge of, and skills in, the drafting of legal documents. This course will offer training in the drafting of legislation and subsidiary legislation, commercial documents, wills, court pleadings and legal correspondence and communications.
LAW 497: Analytical and Research Skills –This course is an elective. It must be taken by students in the final year that would be selected to write a research project.
LAW498: Research Project – Selected students in the final year will undertake a research project on a topic agreed with their tutor.
LAW341/342: Law Clinic, ‘Moot’/ ‘Mock’ Trials 1& 2 – This is a live-client. Students will work on real cases, with actual clients, but under the supervision of professionally qualified members of staff.
LAW361: Environmental Law 1-Discusses the principles of law that are designed to protect and conserve the environment in Ghana. The laws regulating land use, water use, air and marine pollution are focus for study. The course also considers the role and effect of environmental impact reports and of environmental litigation.
LAW362: Environmental Law 2- Examines the domestic laws regulating land use, water use, biodiversity, national and cultural heritage, protected areas, air and marine pollution .The course also considers the role and effect of environmental impact reports and environmental litigation.
ELECTIVES
LAW 357: Intellectual Property Law 1
LAW 358: Intellectual Property Law 2
LAW 359: Labour law 1
LAW360: Labour Law 2
LAW365: Law of Evidence I
LAW366: Law of Evidence 2
LAW377: Revenue and Law of Taxation 1
LAW378: Revenue and Law of Taxation 2
LAW393: International Human Rights Law 1
LAW394: International Human Rights law 2
LAW495: International Trade and Investment Law1
LAW496: International Trade and Investment Law 2
LAW311: Medical Law & Ethics 1
LAW312: Medical Law & Ethics 2
LAW421: Petroleum & Natural Resources Law 1- elective only for category 1 entrants otherwise compulsory
LAW422: Petroleum & Natural Resources Law 2 –elective only for category 1 entrants otherwise compulsory
LAW483: Criminology 1
LAW484: Criminology 2
LAW331: Family Law 1
LAW332: Family Law 2
LAW345: Sports Law 1
LAW346: Sports Law 2
LAW351: Computers and the Law 1
LAW352: Computers and the Law 2
LAW423: Gender and the Law 1
LAW424:-Gender and the Law 2
LAW341: Law Clinic and ‘Moots’/’ Mock Trials’ 1
LAW342: Law Clinic and ‘Moots’/’Mock Trials’ 2
LAW461: Legal Drafting 1
LAW 462 Legal Drafting 2
LAW497: Analytical and Research Skills
LAW498: Research Project
Students intending to enter the legal profession may also develop their debating and negotiating skills during the third year (category 1), the second year (category 2) and the third year (category 3) through ‘Law Clinic’, ‘Moots’/ ‘Mock Trials’ and Client Interview sessions.