Beginner’s Guide for Law Students (5th Edition)

Description:

Start your legal career on the right foot with the most popular introductory law text in South Africa. The 5th Edition of Beginner’s Guide for Law Students is specifically designed to demystify the legal system. It provides a clear, jargon-free overview of the history, sources, and practical application of South African law, making complex concepts like “common law” and “precedent” easy for any newcomer to grasp.

Why this Guide is a First-Year “Must-Have”:

• The Big Picture: Explains how the South African legal system is structured, from the Constitution down to the lower courts.

• Practical Skills: Includes essential guidance on how to read a court case, how to research the law, and how to cite sources correctly.

• Foundational Knowledge: Covers the history of South African law (Roman-Dutch and English influences) and the role of the Bill of Rights.

• Language Accessible: Designed for students whose first language may not be English, ensuring the core principles of justice and equity are understandable.

Key Topics Covered:

• What is Law? Defining the law and its role in society.

• The History of SA Law: From Roman law to the current constitutional era.

• The Constitution: Understanding the supreme law of the land and the separation of powers.

• The Court System: How the different courts function and who the “players” (Judges, Advocates, Attorneys) are.

• Legal Research: A step-by-step guide to finding and interpreting legislation and case law.

Key Specifications:

• ISBN-13: 9781485128342

• Authors: Duard Kleyn and Frans Viljoen

• Publisher: Juta Law

• Edition: 5th Edition

• Format: Physical Softcover