SCL1501: Skills Course for Law Students Assignment 1 – Answer Guide
SCL1501 SKILLS COURSE FOR LAW STUDENTS – ASSIGNMENT 1 COMPLETE
ANSWER GUIDE & MEMORANDUM (100 MARKS) | UNISA LAW (2026/2027)
SCL1501
Skills Course for Law Students
ASSIGNMENT 1 – ANSWER GUIDE
For Marker / Tutor Use Only
Module Code SCL1501
Module Name Skills Course for Law Students
Assignment Assignment 1
Document Type Memorandum / Answer Guide
Target Students First-year LLB / BA Law students
Total Marks 100
University of South Africa (UNISA) | Department of Jurisprudence Page 1
, SCL1501: Skills Course for Law Students Assignment 1 – Answer Guide
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO MARKERS
PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE
This answer guide provides model answers, marking criteria, and examiner notes for
SCL1501 Assignment 1. It is intended for use by markers and tutors only. Students should
NOT receive this document.
Marking Principles
Apply the following general principles consistently across all questions:
• Award marks for demonstrating understanding of core legal concepts, not just memorisation of
definitions.
• Accept answers that demonstrate the correct principle even if worded differently from the model
answer.
• Do not penalise for minor spelling or grammatical errors unless these change the meaning of
the answer.
• Partial marks may be awarded where a student demonstrates partial understanding.
• Where a student provides additional correct information not in the model answer, do not deduct
marks.
• Ensure consistency — if you award marks for a particular level of answer in one script, apply the
same standard throughout.
SECTION A: INTRODUCTION TO LAW AND LEGAL SYSTEMS (30 Marks)
This section tests students' foundational understanding of the nature of law, sources of law, and the
South African legal system.
Question 1: Sources of Law in South Africa (10 Marks)
Question:
Identify and briefly explain FIVE primary sources of law in South Africa. Provide one practical example
for each source. (10 marks)
Model Answer:
The following are the five primary sources of South African law:
1. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996
The Constitution is the supreme law of South Africa. All other laws and conduct must be consistent with
it. Any law or conduct that is inconsistent with the Constitution is invalid.
Example: The Bill of Rights in Chapter 2 guarantees the right to equality (s 9), which courts must apply
when interpreting all other laws.
University of South Africa (UNISA) | Department of Jurisprudence Page 2
SCL1501 SKILLS COURSE FOR LAW STUDENTS – ASSIGNMENT 1 COMPLETE
ANSWER GUIDE & MEMORANDUM (100 MARKS) | UNISA LAW (2026/2027)
SCL1501
Skills Course for Law Students
ASSIGNMENT 1 – ANSWER GUIDE
For Marker / Tutor Use Only
Module Code SCL1501
Module Name Skills Course for Law Students
Assignment Assignment 1
Document Type Memorandum / Answer Guide
Target Students First-year LLB / BA Law students
Total Marks 100
University of South Africa (UNISA) | Department of Jurisprudence Page 1
, SCL1501: Skills Course for Law Students Assignment 1 – Answer Guide
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO MARKERS
PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE
This answer guide provides model answers, marking criteria, and examiner notes for
SCL1501 Assignment 1. It is intended for use by markers and tutors only. Students should
NOT receive this document.
Marking Principles
Apply the following general principles consistently across all questions:
• Award marks for demonstrating understanding of core legal concepts, not just memorisation of
definitions.
• Accept answers that demonstrate the correct principle even if worded differently from the model
answer.
• Do not penalise for minor spelling or grammatical errors unless these change the meaning of
the answer.
• Partial marks may be awarded where a student demonstrates partial understanding.
• Where a student provides additional correct information not in the model answer, do not deduct
marks.
• Ensure consistency — if you award marks for a particular level of answer in one script, apply the
same standard throughout.
SECTION A: INTRODUCTION TO LAW AND LEGAL SYSTEMS (30 Marks)
This section tests students' foundational understanding of the nature of law, sources of law, and the
South African legal system.
Question 1: Sources of Law in South Africa (10 Marks)
Question:
Identify and briefly explain FIVE primary sources of law in South Africa. Provide one practical example
for each source. (10 marks)
Model Answer:
The following are the five primary sources of South African law:
1. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996
The Constitution is the supreme law of South Africa. All other laws and conduct must be consistent with
it. Any law or conduct that is inconsistent with the Constitution is invalid.
Example: The Bill of Rights in Chapter 2 guarantees the right to equality (s 9), which courts must apply
when interpreting all other laws.
University of South Africa (UNISA) | Department of Jurisprudence Page 2
